There are 218 producing oil wells in Ankleshwar, ONGC's oldest oil and gas field, which covers 32 square kilometers. Theft is said to be more widespread in Ankleshwar than neighbouring Gandhar, which has 279 wells.
Group general manager Ashwini Kumar Mehra said: "Theft had become a serious problem and we have to do something about it."
Mehra said that tougher punishment of thieves, better policing, meetings with community leaders and creating more awareness on the issue among locals form the core of the campaign.
