Bakhritibba Gas Production Milestone: India’s Leap Toward Energy Aatmanirbharta
India marked a significant milestone in its energy journey as Oil India Limited (OIL) commenced natural gas production from the Bakhritibba Discovered Small Field (DSF) III Block in Jaisalmer, Western Rajasthan. Announced by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and celebrated by platforms like Megh Updates, this achievement underscores India’s commitment to energy self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, under the Modi government. With an initial output of 67,200 standard cubic meters per day (SCMD), set to scale to 100 million SCMD (MSCMD), the project not only boosts domestic hydrocarbon production but also highlights the resilience of OIL’s team working in the harsh desert landscapes of Rajasthan. As India strives to reduce its reliance on imported energy—currently around 85% for crude oil and 55% for natural gas—this development is a crucial step toward energy security and regional economic growth.
Unpacking the Bakhritibba Project – A Game-Changer for Rajasthan
The Bakhritibba DSF III Block, located in the arid terrains of Jaisalmer, Western Rajasthan, is part of India’s Discovered Small Field policy, designed to monetize smaller hydrocarbon reserves previously deemed uneconomical. Oil India Limited, a leading upstream oil and gas company, successfully drilled three Minimum Work Program (MWP) wells within the development period, as highlighted by Hardeep Singh Puri:
OIL Begins Gas Production from Bakhritiba DSF III Block in Western Rajasthan.
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) June 2, 2025
Amid the vast desert landscapes of Western Rajasthan, @OilIndiaLimited unfolds a new chapter in India’s energy story!
Heartiest congratulations to Oil India Limited (OIL) on setting a benchmark by… pic.twitter.com/GWHmF9N0pZ
The initial production of 67,200 SCMD is already being supplied to GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited) and RRVUNL (Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited), with plans to increase output to 100 MSCMD soon. This gas will support power generation and industrial activities in Rajasthan, a state identified as a key natural gas resource area alongside regions like the Krishna Godavari delta. The project’s success in such a challenging frontier environment demonstrates OIL’s technical prowess and commitment to India’s energy goals. By integrating keywords like DSF III Block, Jaisalmer gas production, and GAIL RRVUNL partnership, this section boosts domain authority for energy sector discussions, aligning with India’s broader push for domestic energy production.
Aatmanirbharta in Action – How Bakhritibba Fuels India’s Energy Future
The Bakhritibba milestone is more than just a regional achievement; it’s a testament to India’s vision of energy Aatmanirbharta, a core pillar of the Modi government’s policy framework.
A landmark moment in India's energy journey! 🇮🇳🔥
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) June 2, 2025
Saluting the grit of the team working in harsh desert conditions to power our nation— a big leap towards energy Aatmanirbharta!
This milestone of Modi Govt is a shining example of how India is powering its own future. 💪🌍 https://t.co/dBRpiElE0F
The grit of the OIL team working in harsh desert conditions symbolizes the nation’s determination to power its own future. India’s heavy dependence on energy imports makes projects like Bakhritibba critical for energy security, especially amidst global price volatility—Brent crude prices hovered around $70-80 per barrel in mid-2025. While the current output of 67,200 SCMD is modest compared to India’s total gas consumption of roughly 164 MSCMD, it reduces the import burden incrementally and supports regional development in Rajasthan. Moreover, the project aligns with other energy initiatives, such as GAIL and RRVUNL’s exploration of 1 GW renewable energy projects in Rajasthan, reflecting a balanced approach to energy diversification. By emphasizing terms like energy security India, Aatmanirbharta energy, and Modi government energy policy.
