Natural Gas

Natural gas is not a separate, isolated resource — it is almost always found trapped alongside petroleum deposits. When crude oil is drilled and brought to the surface, natural gas is released as a by-product. This close association with petroleum is the single most important fact about its occurrence.

Because of this, the geographical distribution of natural gas reserves closely mirrors that of petroleum. The major natural gas reserves in India are located in the same regions that hold the country's oil fields.

The key producing areas are:

• Mumbai High and the Gulf of Khambhat — these offshore fields in the Arabian Sea are the most significant sources of natural gas in India.
• Assam — the oilfields of upper Assam, such as those around Digboi and Naharkatiya, also yield substantial quantities of natural gas.
• Gujarat — onshore fields in the Cambay Basin, including areas like Ankleshwar and Kalol, are important producers.
• Rajasthan — the Barmer-Sanchor Basin has emerged as a newer source of natural gas.
• Tamil Nadu — the Cauvery Basin, particularly the offshore blocks, contributes to the country's gas output.
• Andhra Pradesh — the Krishna-Godavari Basin is a major gas-producing region, with significant finds both onshore and offshore.
• Tripura — the northeastern state has considerable gas reserves, though production has been limited by infrastructure challenges.