Assam has become the first state government in India to take a direct role in oil production following a hydrocarbon discovery in the Namrup Borhat-1 well in Dibrugarh district. The state holds a "significant stake" alongside Oil India Limited (OIL) in this project.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called it a "major step forward in energy security and economic resilience," noting that this makes Assam a direct oil producer rather than just a crude supplier collecting royalties.

The state likely holds a 10% participating interest through Assam Hydrocarbon and Energy Company Limited (AHECL), based on a 2020 agreement for the 125-square-kilometer Namrup Block. This gives Assam a share in both risks and revenues from crude oil sales, marking a significant shift from passive resource supplier to active production partner.