NEW DELHI. ONGC’s IPO Legacy: Powering India’s Capital Markets for Decades
From its landmark Rs.10,500 crore IPO in 2004—oversubscribed within an hour—to its consistent performance in wealth creation, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has left an indelible mark on India’s capital markets. The blockbuster listing not only reflected robust investor confidence but also enabled the Government of India to exceed its disinvestment targets, setting a precedent for public sector equity offerings. ONGC’s entry into the markets in 1994, followed by its Maharatna status, catalyzed a new era of public participation in India’s energy sector.
What began with just over 76,000 shareholders has grown into a base of more than 30 lakh investors, with a single share allotted at ?270 in 1994 now valued at Rs.8,856 through stock splits and bonuses—a 3,000%+ return and a 12% CAGR over 30 years, excluding dividends. As part of a ?456.11 lakh crore market ecosystem with 22.94 crore registered investors, ONGC’s journey isn’t just a financial triumph—it mirrors India’s evolving economic story, symbolizing trust, resilience, and inclusive growth.
