RIL to start crude oil production at Krishna Godavari block

New Delhi: Reliance Industries (RIL) is expected to start producing crude oil from its Krishna Godavari D6 block by this month end, while the gas production will start towards November-end.

The initial oil output from the same block is estimated to be 10,000-15,000 barrels a day, which could be raised to 34,000 barrels with more wells. “Gas production is expected by November-end.

Initial production is likely to be around 15 million standard cubic meters per day (mmscmd),& #8221; Mr V.K. Sibal, Director-General of the Directorate General of Hydrocarbon, told newspersons at the sidelines of the GEO India 2009 conference here.

“They are currently testing equipment, systems and facilities. Maybe in next three-four days we will be able to tell you the exact date of commencing production,” he said. Output would be ramped up to 40 mmscmd in three months from the start of production. RIL holds 90 per cent operating interest in the D6 block, while Canada’s Niko Resources holds the remaining 10 per cent.