Oil Discoveries Boost Onshore Block 1 Prospects in Abu Dhabi

16 Jan 2026 CW Team

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), together with Bharat PetroResources Limited, is jointly advancing oil exploration in Abu Dhabi’s Onshore Block 1 following encouraging discoveries in both unconventional and conventional reservoirs. The block is operated through Urja Bharat Pte Limited, a 50:50 special purpose vehicle established by the two Indian companies.

UPBL was awarded the Onshore Block 1 concession in early 2019 under Abu Dhabi’s 2019 bid round. In early 2024, the company achieved its first oil discovery in the unconventional Shilaif play at the XN-76 exploratory well. After successful hydrofracking operations, the well flowed light crude oil to the surface from the Shilaif formation, confirming the presence of unconventional oil resources in the block.

The company has expressed confidence in the results and plans to focus on establishing the economic deliverability of wells during the appraisal phase. The outcome marks an important step towards assessing the commercial viability of unconventional resources within the concession area.

In addition, UPBL recorded another oil discovery during testing at the XN-79 02S exploratory well. This well flowed light crude oil from the Habshan reservoir, representing the first oil find in this reservoir within the concession. The discovery is expected to be appraised further and progressed towards potential development.

Both parent companies view the results as a significant milestone in their international upstream operations. Alongside appraisal of the new discoveries, UPBL is also progressing development of the existing Ruwais field and continuing exploration of additional hydrocarbon prospects across the concession.

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