Oil & Natural Gas exploration likely in Punjab: Centre plans survey across 6 districts, saya Minister Barinder Goyal
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 27, 2026: Punjab may soon emerge as a new hub for hydrocarbon resources, with the state government initiating steps towards exploration of natural gas and oil following recent prospects of potash discovery.
Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Monday said that the state is moving towards tapping its hydrocarbon potential after a high-level delegation from the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons and Oil India Limited called on him to seek support for proposed surveys.
The central team highlighted the possibility of natural oil and gas reserves in districts including Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Faridkot, Moga, Jalandhar and Kapurthala. Officials informed that a large-scale 2D seismic survey will be conducted to identify hydrocarbon reserves as part of a nationwide exploration drive.
The survey, to be carried out under the Centre’s “Mission Anveshan” initiative, will cover approximately 169 line kilometres in the Punjab sub-basin. The exercise aims to generate accurate geological data and assess untapped mineral and petroleum resources in unexplored regions.
Officials said the initiative follows directions from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to expand exploration efforts across key basins, including areas in Punjab, Rajasthan and the Ganga basin.
Emphasising the significance of the move, Goyal said the exploration drive will help build a comprehensive geological database, reduce India’s dependence on imported energy, and open new avenues for economic growth. “Such initiatives will strengthen the energy sector, create employment opportunities and boost industrial development in Punjab,” he added.
The Minister assured full cooperation from the Government of Punjab for timely execution of the survey, stating that the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is committed to harnessing natural resources for the state’s overall development.
Senior officials from the state government, including Additional Chief Secretary Jaspreet Talwar and Director Mining Abhijeet Kaplish, were also present during the meeting.