The D-6 fields of Reliance Industries in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin have the potential to produce gas that is over four times the estimated peak output of 80 million cubic metres a day (mmscmd), according to V K Sibal, director general, directorate-general of hydrocarbons. The 50 wells in D-6 were earlier estimated to produce a total of 80 mmscmd gas (at the rate of 1.6 mmscmd per well). However, each well can produce about 6 to 7 mmscmd, so the estimated potential is 4 times the earlier approved potential. Government is usually conservative in approving the proven reserves as the exact potential could be ascertained only after actual production starts.
18 wells had been drilled in the D-1 and D-3 gas fields in the D-6 block, but only eight had been opened, while testing was going on at two wells. Reliance Industries has already stepped up gas production from 28 mmscmd in June to about 36-37 mmscmd now. The production will soon reach 42 mmscmd once the supply to the Dabhol power plant is increased in the first week of October. The Karnataka government has recently written to the Centre seeking 40-45 mmscmd of natural gas for industry in the state.crackcrack