Oil Discoveries Boost Onshore Block 1 Prospects in Abu Dhabi
OIL & GAS

Oil Discoveries Boost Onshore Block 1 Prospects in Abu Dhabi

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.

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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Products

Koemmerling opens Navi Mumbai experience centre

Koemmerling, a brand of the profine Group, has expanded its presence in the Mumbai metropolitan region with the opening of a new experience centre in Navi Mumbai and launched its Allure S46 minimal sliding door system for the Indian market.Located in CBD Belapur, the facility was inaugurated by Peter Mrosik, Owner and CEO, profine Group, along with Farid Khan, Chairman and Managing Director, profine India, and Kamal Bajaj, CEO, profine India.The company said the new centre will showcase its portfolio of uPVC and aluminium window and door systems to architects, developers and homeowners.The ina..

Next Story
Products

India's waterproofing market nears Rs 150 bn milestone

India's waterproofing industry is approaching a market size of Rs 150 billion and is expected to surpass the $2 billion milestone, according to speakers at the 2nd India International Waterproofers Conference & Expo 2026 organised by the Waterproofers Association of India (WAI) in New Delhi.The two-day event brought together more than 20 speakers, 55 international delegates and 53 exhibition booths, with discussions focusing on climate-resilient construction, advanced waterproofing technologies and international collaboration.Inaugurating the event, Durga Shanker Mishra, former Secretary, ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Dilip Buildcon Q1 FY27 Revenue at Rs 23.78 billion

Dilip Buildcon Limited reported consolidated revenue from operations of Rs 2,378 crore in Q1 FY27, along with EBITDA of Rs 429 crore and profit after tax of Rs 128 crore.Consolidated EBITDA margin stood at 18.1%, improving from 17.1% in Q4 FY26. On a standalone basis, revenue from operations was Rs 1,930 crore, EBITDA stood at Rs 199 crore and PAT was Rs 39 crore, with an EBITDA margin of 10.3%.The company’s order book stood at Rs 27,691 crore as of 30 June 2026, compared with Rs 28,830 crore as of 31 March 2026. Roads and highways accounted for 17.1% of the order book, irrigation and water ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement