India’s hydrocarbon sector stands as a pillar of national growth, industrial expansion, and energy security. As one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, India depends heavily on a robust oil and gas ecosystem to power transportation, manufacturing, infrastructure, and household consumption. We present a comprehensive, authoritative guide to the top 20 oil and gas companies in India, highlighting their operations, refining capacity, upstream dominance, distribution networks, and strategic importance.
1. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is India’s largest commercial oil enterprise and a Fortune Global 500 company. With extensive refining capacity exceeding 80 MMTPA and a vast network of over 35,000 fuel stations, IOCL dominates fuel retailing across India. The company operates major refineries in Gujarat, Haryana, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu, and maintains strong pipeline infrastructure spanning more than 13,000 km. Its petrochemical ventures and investments in renewable energy further strengthen its leadership in the energy domain.
2. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) operates the world’s largest refining complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Its refining capacity exceeds 68 MMTPA, making it a global export powerhouse. Beyond refining, RIL plays a crucial role in petrochemicals, upstream exploration, and retail fuel marketing. Its integration of digital, petrochemical, and energy segments provides unmatched operational efficiency and global competitiveness.
3. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is India’s premier upstream exploration and production company. Responsible for approximately 70% of India’s crude oil production and 84% of natural gas output, ONGC operates across onshore and offshore assets, including the prolific Mumbai High basin. The company has overseas investments through ONGC Videsh, enhancing India’s energy security globally.
4. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) manages major refineries in Mumbai and Kochi and operates a nationwide retail network of more than 21,000 fuel stations. With significant investments in biofuels, gas distribution, and digital innovation, BPCL remains a central player in India’s downstream petroleum sector.
5. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) operates two major refineries in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. The company maintains over 20,000 retail outlets and has strong liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution operations. HPCL’s infrastructure modernization and pipeline expansions enhance supply chain efficiency nationwide.
6. GAIL (India) Limited (GAIL)
GAIL (India) Limited is India’s leading natural gas transmission and marketing company. With more than 14,000 km of natural gas pipelines, GAIL plays a critical role in expanding the nation’s gas-based economy. The company is also involved in petrochemicals, LNG trading, and city gas distribution projects.
7. Oil India Limited (OIL)
Oil India Limited is a government-owned exploration and production company operating primarily in Assam and Rajasthan. With strong upstream expertise and growing renewable investments, OIL contributes significantly to domestic hydrocarbon output.
8. Cairn India
Cairn India, now operating under Vedanta Group, is one of India’s largest private crude oil producers. Its Rajasthan block accounts for a substantial share of India’s onshore oil production. Advanced enhanced oil recovery techniques strengthen its operational performance.
9. Nayara Energy
Nayara Energy operates the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat with a capacity of 20 MMTPA. With over 6,000 retail fuel outlets, Nayara is one of India’s fastest-growing private fuel retailers and a major exporter of refined petroleum products.
10. Adani Total Gas Limited
Adani Total Gas Limited, a joint venture between Adani Group and TotalEnergies, focuses on city gas distribution. The company supplies piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) across multiple geographical areas, accelerating India’s clean fuel transition.
11. Petronet LNG Limited
Petronet LNG Limited is India’s largest LNG importer, operating major regasification terminals in Dahej and Kochi. The company ensures reliable LNG supplies to meet growing industrial and power sector demands.
12. Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC)
Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) is involved in oil and gas exploration, gas trading, and transmission. The company supports Gujarat’s strong industrial ecosystem with reliable gas infrastructure.
13. Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL)
Mahanagar Gas Limited supplies PNG and CNG across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With a rapidly expanding customer base, MGL plays a central role in reducing vehicular emissions and promoting cleaner fuel adoption.
14. Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL)
Indraprastha Gas Limited distributes natural gas across Delhi NCR. Its extensive CNG network has transformed public transportation fuel usage in the capital region.
15. Hindustan Oil Exploration Company (HOEC)
Hindustan Oil Exploration Company (HOEC) is an independent upstream firm engaged in exploration and production. Its offshore and onshore assets contribute to diversified domestic energy production.
16. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL)
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) operates a 15 MMTPA refinery in Karnataka. A subsidiary of ONGC, MRPL exports petroleum products to global markets while serving domestic demand.
17. Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL)
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited operates refineries in Tamil Nadu with a combined capacity exceeding 10 MMTPA. The company supports southern India’s fuel requirements efficiently.
18. Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL)
Numaligarh Refinery Limited operates in Assam and is expanding capacity to 9 MMTPA. The refinery strengthens energy infrastructure in Northeast India and promotes regional economic development.
19. Shell India
Shell India operates fuel stations, LNG regasification projects, and lubricants manufacturing units. Its technological innovation and premium fuel positioning distinguish it in India’s private fuel retail space.
20. TotalEnergies India
TotalEnergies India is active in LNG imports, lubricants, solar energy, and fuel retail partnerships. The company strengthens India’s energy transition strategy through diversified investments.
India’s Oil and Gas Industry: Strategic Importance
India’s oil and gas companies collectively ensure energy security, stabilize supply chains, enable industrial growth, and support millions of direct and indirect jobs. With refining capacity exceeding domestic demand, India has evolved into a significant exporter of petroleum products. Simultaneously, city gas distribution networks are expanding rapidly, supporting the government’s vision of increasing natural gas share in the energy mix to 15%.
The sector continues to modernize through digitalization, pipeline expansion, LNG infrastructure growth, and integration of renewable energy assets. Major players are diversifying portfolios into green hydrogen, biofuels, and solar energy, reinforcing India’s long-term sustainability goals.
Conclusion
The top 20 oil and gas companies in India form the backbone of the nation’s hydrocarbon ecosystem. From upstream exploration giants and refining powerhouses to LNG import leaders and city gas distributors, these companies drive India’s economic engine. Their strategic investments, infrastructure strength, and operational excellence ensure that India remains resilient in the global energy landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Top 20 Oil and Gas Companies in India
1. Which is the largest oil and gas company in India?
The largest oil and gas company in India is Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in terms of revenue, refining capacity, and fuel retail network. It operates the country’s most extensive pipeline system and the highest number of fuel stations nationwide.
2. Who is the largest crude oil producer in India?
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is the largest crude oil producer in India. It accounts for the majority of India’s domestic oil and natural gas production, including major offshore assets such as Mumbai High.
3. Which private company dominates the refining sector in India?
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) leads the private refining sector with the world’s largest refining complex located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. It is a major exporter of refined petroleum products globally.
4. What are the top government-owned oil companies in India?
The leading public sector oil and gas companies include:
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
- Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
- GAIL (India) Limited (GAIL)
These companies play a central role in India’s energy security and infrastructure development.
5. Which company operates the largest refinery in India?
The largest refinery in India is operated by Reliance Industries Limited, located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. It is also the largest refining complex in the world.
6. What is the role of GAIL in India’s oil and gas sector?
GAIL (India) Limited is India’s leading natural gas transmission company. It operates an extensive pipeline network, markets natural gas, and is involved in LNG trading and petrochemical production.
7. Which companies are major players in city gas distribution (CGD)?
Key companies in India’s city gas distribution sector include:
- Adani Total Gas Limited
- Indraprastha Gas Limited
- Mahanagar Gas Limited
These companies supply compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) to residential, commercial, and transportation sectors.
8. Which company is the largest LNG importer in India?
Petronet LNG Limited is the largest LNG importer in India, operating major regasification terminals at Dahej and Kochi.
9. Are Indian oil companies investing in renewable energy?
Yes, major oil and gas companies including IOCL, ONGC, BPCL, HPCL, and Reliance Industries are investing in renewable energy projects such as solar power, wind energy, biofuels, and green hydrogen. These initiatives align with India’s long-term clean energy transition goals.
10. How many refineries are there in India?
India has more than 20 operational refineries, owned by both public and private sector companies. Major refinery operators include IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, ONGC (through MRPL), Reliance Industries, and Nayara Energy.
