Top 20 Oil and Gas Companies in India
Introduction
India’s oil and gas industry is one of the most important sectors in the country. It fuels not just vehicles and homes but also the nation’s economy. From large-scale refineries to exploration and production, oil and gas companies in India play an important role in energy supply and economic development.
With growing energy needs and global connections, it's important to know who the key players are. Whether you're a buyer, supplier, or exporter/importer, understanding the top companies helps you make smarter decisions.
At Exporters Worlds, we help connect businesses with reliable partners. As a trusted B2B marketplace, we offer accurate, business-focused insights that make your journey in the oil and gas sector easier and more successful.
Overview of the Oil and Gas Sector in India
The oil and gas industry in India is huge. It includes exploration, production, refining, storage, transportation, and distribution of oil and gas. The country is the third-largest oil consumer in the world, which makes this sector highly active and competitive.
Both public and private companies operate in this space. Public sector companies like IOCL and ONGC are backed by the government. On the other hand, private companies like Reliance and Nayara bring innovation and global investment.
The government also supports this industry with policy reforms, foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities, and programs like the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP). Trends like digital transformation and cleaner energy sources are also shaping the future of oil sector companies in India.
How We Ranked the Top 20 Oil and Gas Companies in India
We used clear and practical criteria to rank the top 20 oil and gas companies in India. These include:
• Revenue and market share
• Assets and scale of operations
• Export capabilities and international presence
• Recent achievements and growth
• Data from annual reports, industry stats, and business journals
Let’s now look at the companies making the biggest impact in the oil and gas industry.
Top 20 Oil and Gas Companies in India—Powered by Exporters Worlds
Here’s our expert-created list of the top 20 oil and gas companies in India based on their scale, impact, and contribution to the economy and exports:
1. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: New Delhi
India’s largest oil and gas company. It operates a vast network of refineries, pipelines, and retail outlets, making it a market leader.
2. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: Dehradun
India’s premier oil exploration and production company. ONGC is a government-owned powerhouse driving domestic energy supply.
3. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
• Type: Private
• Headquarters: Mumbai
A major private player with a world-class refining complex in Jamnagar. Also active in petrochemicals, gas, and energy retailing.
4. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: Mumbai
A key government enterprise in fuel refining, distribution, and marketing. Known for its extensive fuel station network.
5. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: Mumbai
Operates large-scale refineries and a strong fuel retail network across India. A key player in refining and lubricants.
6. GAIL (India) Limited
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: New Delhi
India’s leading natural gas transmission and processing company. Operates pipelines and is expanding into renewables.
7. Cairn Oil & Gas (Vedanta Limited)
• Type: Private
• Headquarters: Gurugram
The largest private crude oil producer in India, operating key fields in Rajasthan and contributing significantly to domestic supply.
8. Nayara Energy
• Type: Private
• Headquarters: Mumbai
Owns one of the largest and most advanced refineries in India located in Vadinar, Gujarat. Known for its export strength.
9. Oil India Limited
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: Duliajan, Assam
Focused on upstream oil and gas operations, especially in the North-East. A trusted government-owned enterprise.
10. Petronet LNG Limited
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: New Delhi
India’s top LNG importer and operator of large LNG terminals, helping meet the growing demand for natural gas.
11. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL)
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: Mangalore
Subsidiary of ONGC, MRPL has a strong refining capacity and exports petroleum products globally.
12. Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL)
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: Chennai
Part of the Indian Oil Group, CPCL runs key refineries in South India and serves both domestic and export markets.
13. Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC)
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: Gandhinagar
Involved in exploration and production, especially in Gujarat. Also active in LNG and power generation.
14. Essar Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
• Type: Private
• Headquarters: Mumbai
Focused on coal bed methane (CBM) production. A leader in unconventional gas exploration.
15. Adani Total Gas Limited
• Type: Private
• Headquarters: Ahmedabad
A joint venture delivering piped natural gas and CNG to households and transport, with rapid city gas network expansion.
16. Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL)
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: Assam
A strategic refining hub in the North-East, with expansion plans underway to double capacity.
17. Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL)
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: Noida
Manages India’s emergency crude oil storage. Plays a key role in national energy security.
18. Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: Kolkata
Diversified presence in lubricants, logistics, and industrial packaging. A legacy brand with over 150 years of service.
19. Jindal Petroleum Ltd
• Type: Private
• Headquarters: New Delhi
An emerging private player in the exploration and production space, with investments both in India and abroad.
20. Assam Gas Company Limited
• Type: Public
• Headquarters: Assam
Focused on natural gas distribution and pipeline infrastructure in the North-East region.
Export Capabilities and Global Reach
Many of these companies don’t just serve the Indian market. They export oil, gas, and petroleum products worldwide. For example, Reliance exports refined products to over 100 countries. IOCL and BPCL also have strong export arms. Joint ventures and partnerships with global firms help Indian companies expand their reach and improve technology.
Industry Challenges and Future Outlook
The oil and gas sector faces several challenges:
• Price volatility in global markets
• Regulatory changes and environmental laws
• The shift toward cleaner energy and sustainability
Despite this, there are major opportunities. Companies are investing in digital tools, automation, and green fuel projects. India's energy demand is growing, and oil sector companies in India are adapting fast.
Why Choose Exporters Worlds?
At Exporters Worlds, we don’t just list companies—we help connect you with the right partners in the oil and gas industry. Our platform brings verified suppliers and buyers together, saving time and building trust. Whether you're sourcing crude oil, LNG, refined fuels, or technical services, we make sure your business journey is smooth, transparent, and profitable.
Conclusion
The oil and gas companies in India are vital to the country's growth and energy future. From public giants like ONGC and IOCL to innovative private firms like Reliance and Adani, each plays a unique role in powering the country.
At Exporters Worlds, we are your dedicated partner in success. Our platform connects you with trusted oil and gas suppliers in India and beyond. We simplify your business journey by helping you find the right partners, grow your network, and build long-term relationships.
Explore Exporters Worlds today and take the next step in your business journey.
FAQ
- What are the biggest oil and gas companies in India?
IOCL, ONGC, and Reliance are the largest based on revenue and operations. - Is ONGC a government company?
Yes, ONGC is a government-owned public sector company. - Which is the largest private oil company in India?
Reliance Industries Limited is the largest private oil and gas company. - How many oil and gas companies are there in India?
There are over 100 companies, including public and private sector players. - What is the future of oil and gas in India?
The future is focused on digital innovation, cleaner fuels, and strong export growth.
