Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has started gas monetisation from its Daman Upside Development Project, marking a significant step in increasing India’s domestic natural gas production.
The company commenced gas flow from the offshore B-12-24P platform on March 29. The extracted gas is being transported to the Hazira plant in Gujarat, where it will be processed before being supplied to consumers.
Located in the Arabian Sea, the Daman project lies about 180 km off the Mumbai coast. It is part of ONGC’s broader strategy to enhance output from its western offshore assets and reduce reliance on energy imports.
Developed at an estimated cost of around $1 billion, the project has been completed in a relatively short time frame of under two years. ONGC attributed this to improved drilling methods and efficient project execution, including the use of advanced techniques to speed up development.
The start of gas monetisation signals the beginning of commercial production from the field. Output is expected to increase gradually as additional wells are brought into operation in phases over the coming months.
At peak levels, the project is expected to produce around 5 million standard cubic metres of gas per day. Overall, it is estimated to contribute significantly to India’s gas output over its lifecycle.
The development comes at a time when India is focusing on boosting domestic energy production to meet rising demand and reduce dependence on imports. Natural gas is seen as a key transition fuel in the country’s energy mix, supporting cleaner energy goals.
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