Bharat PetroResources Limited (BPRL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and its exploration arm, has announced an oil discovery in the operated Onshore Block 1 in Abu Dhabi on January 13, 2026. This discovery follows the award of the exploration concession to Urja Bharat Pte Limited (UBPL), a 50:50 Special Purpose Vehicle, in March 2019. The company has invested approximately USD 166 million (₹1380.8 crore) during the exploration phase.

The concession agreement covers an area of up to 6,162 square kilometers, with UBPL holding 100% concession rights. The first oil discovery in the Unconventional Shilaif play was made in the XN-76 well, which flowed oil after successful hydrofracking operations. The testing results confirm the presence of unconventional oil resources in Onshore Block 1. BPRL is optimistic about these results and anticipates establishing economic deliverability during the appraisal phase.

Furthermore, BPRL also reported an oil discovery during the testing of exploration well XN-79 02S in the same Onshore Block 1. This well flowed crude oil, marking the first oil find in the Habshan reservoir within the concession area. These discoveries are considered significant achievements for BPRL as an international operator and will contribute to India's energy security.