Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Limited has taken over the ownership and operations of the Hollong Modular Gas Processing Plant (HMGPP) in Assam. The transfer from service provider Expro North Sea Limited (ENS) was executed on October 14, 2026, marking a significant shift in operational control for the Dirok Gas and Condensate field.

The acquisition enables the Dirok Joint Venture (JV) to expand plant capacity to process higher volumes from three new wells approved for drilling by partners and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH). This strategic move supports future volume additions from the North Dirok and Greater Dirok assets, which are slated for drilling in upcoming phases.

Operational Transition and Workforce

As of October 14, 2026, HOEC has fully assumed control of the HMGPP. All existing ENS employees working at the gas plant have been transferred to HOEC employment effective the same date. This integration ensures continuity in operations while aligning the workforce with the JV’s long-term expansion plans.

HOEC serves as the designated operator for the Dirok Gas Field under the Production Sharing Contract between the Government of India and the JV partners, which include Oil India Ltd., Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., and HOEC itself.

Strategic Implications for Capacity Expansion

The takeover grants HOEC the authority to implement modifications within the plant to enhance operational efficiency. By securing direct control over the processing infrastructure, the company aims to optimize throughput and accommodate increased production loads from newly drilled wells.

Key Strategic Benefits

• Capacity Expansion: Ability to process higher volumes from three approved new wells in the Dirok field.
• Future Growth: Infrastructure readiness for volume additions from North Dirok and Greater Dirok assets.
• Operational Efficiency: Direct control allows for targeted modifications to improve plant performance.
• Workforce Integration: Seamless transfer of ENS staff to HOEC ensures minimal disruption during the transition.

What the Numbers Show

The filing does not disclose specific financial figures such as acquisition cost or immediate revenue impact. However, the operational data highlights a clear dependency on upstream drilling success. The value of this asset takeover is directly tied to the realization of the three approved wells and future assets in North and Greater Dirok. Without these volume additions, the expanded capacity would remain underutilized. The move signals confidence in the geological potential of the Dirok block and a commitment by the JV partners to maximize recovery rates through integrated operational control.

Hindustan Oil Exploration has appointed Debabrata Das as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective October 16, 2026. The appointment follows the resignation of Allen Joseph Andrade, who steps down due to personal reasons but will continue as Financial Advisor.

Leadership transition at Hindustan Oil Exploration

The company’s Board approved the appointment based on recommendations from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and the Audit Committee. Debabrata Das will be based at the corporate office in Chennai. Allen Andrade’s resignation is effective from the close of business hours on October 15, 2026. He will support the company remotely from Mumbai in his new advisory role.

Profile of incoming CFO

Debabrata Das is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in senior finance leadership roles across the energy, city gas distribution, and infrastructure sectors. His previous roles include Group CFO at Haryana City Gas, Head of Corporate Finance at Adani Total Gas, and Lead – Project Finance at GMR Energy. He brings expertise in fund-raising, capital structuring, and embedding governance frameworks to drive sustainable profitability.

The appointment ensures continuity in financial leadership as Hindustan Oil Exploration transitions to new oversight. The Board meeting concluding these changes was held on October 13, 2026.