A number of reports concerning the purported communication from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are noticed that convey an impression that the role of ONGC may be significantly affected in the wake of its potential restructuring. On the other hand, the fact is that the government has been continuously encouraging ONGC to play a much larger role in the context of India's oil and gas sector.

The country's largest oil and gas explorer ONGC said it will expand its upstream activity in the country by acquiring much larger acreage through the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). The company which is in the midst of a major restructuring exercise proposes to speed ahead on exploring new oil and gas blocks in the country so that the stagnating domestic production is increased.

 It has told the government that there are certain issues around structure where decisive steps can be evaluated only once the industry is completely under GST regime but the company remains committed to invest and enhance the country's domestic production of hydrocarbons.

With regard to engaging with other players in E&P activities, ONGC's strategy is to move up higher in the value chain to concentrate on areas where the expected risk-reward payoff offers better business opportunities for growth. Over the years ONGC benefitted from the participation of other players and opportunity-specific alliances which have helped the company enhance value for itself, besides releasing.

ONGC resources to pursue more promising opportunities with perceived better risk-return tradeoff. it has rolled out its separate Gas vertical, which will increase its activities in the gas sector leveraging on its strong domestic and international presence. It is also taking steps to augment its renewables portfolio. ONGC is also looking into strategic relationships and close alliances with key international players through ONGC Videsh.

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