ONGC’s Legacy: Past, Present, and the Future of India’s Energy

The Rise of ONGC: From Exploration to Global Energy Leader

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is a government-owned company and the largest producer of oil and natural gas in India. It plays a vital role in meeting the country's energy demands, contributing about 70% of India's crude oil production and about 84% of natural gas production. ONGC was established in 1956 by the Government of India to explore and exploit hydrocarbons in the country's vast sedimentary basins. It is a Maharatna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Main Functions of ONGC:

• Oil Exploration and Production: ONGC is involved in the exploration, drilling and production of crude oil and natural gas from both onshore and offshore fields in India and internationally.

• Natural Gas Production: Along with crude oil, ONGC is a major producer of natural gas, which is used for domestic fuel, industrial use and power generation.

• Global Presence (ONGC Videsh Limited - OVL): Through its subsidiary ONGC Videsh, ONGC operates in over 17 countries, focusing on the acquisition of oil and gas assets abroad to secure India's energy requirements.

• Refining and Petrochemicals: Through its subsidiaries such as Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) and ONGC Petro Additions Limited (OPAL), ONGC is involved in refining crude oil and producing petrochemicals.

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): ONGC is actively engaged in CSR initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, skill development, environmental sustainability and community welfare.

• Sustainable Energy Initiatives: ONGC has also ventured into renewable energy including solar, wind and geothermal power to reduce its carbon emissions and align with global sustainability goals.