Assam Emerges as Indias Top Crude Oil Producer marks historic shift as state plays active role in country’s energy transition
Dibrugarh | July 17, 2025
In a significant shift in India’s energy map, Assam has overtaken traditional leaders to become the country’s top crude oil-producing state, government data for the April–June quarter of FY 2025–26 revealed on Wednesday.
According to figures released by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Assam contributed over 12% of India’s total crude oil output, outperforming states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. The surge is primarily attributed to enhanced production by Oil India Limited (OIL) and ONGC, which have intensified exploration and output in the Upper Assam basin.
The development marks a strategic milestone for the North East region, long known for its untapped hydrocarbon potential. Experts say the turnaround has been driven by improved infrastructure, real-time drilling technologies, and faster environmental clearances post the Centre’s Northeast Hydrocarbon Vision 2030.
“This is not just a regional achievement; it’s a national shift,”
said Ranjan Saikia, an energy analyst based in Guwahati. “Assam’s resource base is finally being aligned with modern logistics and investment.”
The crude from Assam, however, is high in wax content and requires special handling. Despite this, its contribution to India’s refinery capacity has grown steadily, especially through the Numaligarh Refinery and upcoming expansion projects.
The Assam government has welcomed the data, stating that the milestone will help unlock employment, state revenue, and energy independence goals, while also urging the Centre to ensure ecological safeguards remain in place.
With India pushing for a diversified energy mix including renewables, Assam’s resurgence in fossil fuels offers both opportunity and responsibility—particularly in preserving the fragile ecology of the Brahmaputra valley.
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