Cyclone: ONGC stops offshore drilling

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation on Wednesday said it has suspended all drilling and outdoor operations in the western offshore in view of cyclone 'Phyan' in the Arabian Sea, but production is not affected.

"All drilling operations, helicopter sorties and construction and maintenance work has been suspended due to the cyclone warning," ONGC Chairman RS Sharma told PTI.

Western offshore is the home for the nation's largest oil field. Mumbai High accounts for 40 per cent of the nations' total crude output and production continues at the normal rate of 2,10,000 barrels per day.

Gas production from Mumbai High and the Bassien field were also normal.

"We are in cyclone preparedness. We have asked our personnel in the offshore to stay indoor during the next 24 hours," Sharma said.