Amid Global Supply Crisis, Mangala Oilfield Boosts Output by 2,000 bpd

In a reassuring development for India’s energy sector, Rajasthan’s Mangala oilfield is showing positive signs of revival, with production rising by nearly 2,000 barrels per day (bpd). At a time of global uncertainty over crude supplies, this increase offers a timely boost to domestic output and reinforces confidence in technology-driven recovery from mature oilfields.

Operated by Cairn Oil and Gas, the Mangala oilfield located in the Barmer basin is India’s largest onshore oil-producing asset. Discovered in 2004, the field marked a turning point in the country’s hydrocarbon exploration landscape, as it was among the most significant oil finds in decades. Production began in 2009, quickly transforming Rajasthan into a major contributor to India’s crude oil output.

Over the years, Mangala has played a crucial role in strengthening India’s energy security and generating substantial economic value. The field has produced over 500 million barrels of crude oil since inception, contributing billions of dollars in revenue to both the operator and the government through royalties, taxes and profit-sharing mechanisms. Its success has also supported regional development, infrastructure growth and employment in the state.

The recent increase in production is being seen as a renewed sign of strength for the ageing oilfield. Company officials attribute the gains to advanced engineering and redevelopment strategies aimed at unlocking previously inaccessible reserves. One of the key techniques deployed is sidetracking, which involves redirecting existing wells to tap untapped hydrocarbon zones. This approach reduces costs while minimizing environmental impact.

In addition, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods such as polymer injection and alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding are being used to improve extraction efficiency . These techniques help extract more oil from reservoirs that have already undergone significant depletion. Notably, one redeveloped well alone has yielded nearly 2,000 bpd in its early phase, highlighting the effectiveness of these interventions.

Mangala’s production journey reflects the typical lifecycle of a mature oilfield. After reaching peak output of around 200,000 bpd until 2014, production gradually declined to between 130,000 and 170,000 bpd after 2015. In recent years, output had fallen further to around 80,000–100,000 bpd. The latest uptick, therefore, is being viewed as an encouraging reversal in this downward trend.

Energy experts believe that such incremental gains, though modest in scale, are strategically important. With India importing nearly 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements, even small increases in domestic production can help reduce import dependence, stabilise costs and cushion the economy against global price shocks.

The Mangala oilfield’s continued relevance also highlights the importance of sustained investment and innovation in mature assets. The operator is pursuing long-term redevelopment plans, including advanced reservoir modelling and digital monitoring, to further enhance recovery and extend the field’s productive life.