According to 'Energy Statistics India, 2024', which of the following Indian states had the highest estimated reserves of crude oil (excluding offshore regions) as on 1 April 2023?

The Correct answer is Assam . Key Points Assam is the state with the highest estimated reserves of crude oil among all Indian states (excluding offshore regions) as of 1 April 2023 . The state is a major contributor to India’s crude oil production , with its oil fields being some of the oldest in the country. Assam’s crude oil reserves are primarily concentrated in the Upper Assam Basin , which includes fields such as Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, and Jorhat . The oil fields in Assam are managed by organizations like Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Limited (OIL) . The discovery of oil in Assam dates back to the year 1889 at Digboi, making it the first place in Asia where oil was drilled. Assam’s crude oil reserves play a significant role in contributing to India’s energy needs and reducing dependence on imports. The state is also known for its natural gas reserves , further supporting its position as a key player in India’s energy sector. Additional Information Rajasthan Rajasthan is known for its Mangala, Bhagyam, and Aishwariya (MBA) oil fields , located in the Barmer district. These fields are part of the Rajasthan Block RJ-ON-90/1 , which is operated by Cairn Oil & Gas , a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources. Despite its significant contribution to India’s crude oil production, Rajasthan’s reserves are smaller compared to Assam. Gujarat Gujarat is one of India’s prominent oil-producing states, with oil fields located in the Cambay Basin . The state also has significant refining capacity , including the world’s largest oil refinery located in Jamnagar, operated by Reliance Industries . Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh has crude oil reserves in the Krishna-Godavari Basin . The state is also known for its offshore hydrocarbon resources , which contribute to India’s overall energy production.