Which one among the following States is the leading producer of petrol

Which one among the following States is the leading producer of petroleum (crude) in India ?

Assam
Gujarat
Maharashtra
Andhra Pradesh
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2015
In India, crude petroleum production comes from both offshore and onshore fields. The largest single producing region is the offshore Mumbai High field, located in the Arabian Sea. The state associated with this major offshore production is Maharashtra. While states like Assam (Digboi, Naharkatiya), Gujarat (Ankleshwar, Kalol), and Rajasthan (Barmer) have significant onshore production, offshore fields, primarily Mumbai High, contribute the largest share to India’s crude oil output. Therefore, Maharashtra is typically the leading producer among the given options.
India’s major crude oil production areas include Assam (oldest), Gujarat, Rajasthan (major recent discoveries), Andhra Pradesh (onshore and offshore Krishna-Godavari basin), and significant offshore fields like Mumbai High (Arabian Sea) and Bassein.
Mumbai High field, operated by ONGC, is the backbone of India’s domestic crude oil production. Although onshore production is distributed across several states, the volume from offshore fields, accounted under the nearest state (Maharashtra), often makes it the top producer state-wise when considering total production. Rajasthan has emerged as a major onshore producer in recent decades. Production figures can fluctuate year to year, but historically and generally, Maharashtra leads due to Mumbai High.