BP makes $1bn pitch to OilMin, seeks urgent nod for surveys

Sources say BP has written to the oil ministry stating that the integrated development plan for the KG-D6 fields will help BP and Reliance save USD 1 billion—a plan the two JV partners want to submit later this year in October.

However, for this to take place, RIL and BP want an “urgent nod” from the government.

RIL-BP propose to drill one gas production well on the MA oilfield in the eastern offshore or KG-D6 block besides intervention of jobs in at least two of the existing six wells on the fields.

MA is the only oil field made by RIL in the 7,645 square kilometre KG-D6 block. The field produces about 11,200 barrels a day. MA field makes up for about one-fifth of the 34.09 mmcmd of current gas output from KG-D6 block.

Sources said six wells had been drilled on MA field, of which one had to be closed because of water loading and sand ingress. RIL-BP plan to do work over (intervention activity involving invasive techniques to raise output) on the closed well and at least one more well facing similar problems.

Moreover, BP has urged the ministry not to restrict surveys to D2, D6, D19, D22 fields only. It says discovery is near impossible without broad survey.

In its letter dated March 28, BP has also sought support from home and defence ministry nod.

(With inputs from PTI)