Assam Economy

Assam has four major oil refineries: Digboi, Guwahati (Noonmati), Bongaigaon and Numaligarh. Digboi Refinery began commercial refining in 1901, making it one of the oldest operating refineries in the world. Numaligarh Refinery was commissioned in 1999.

Tea is a major export and plantation product of Assam. Robert Bruce is traditionally credited with identifying indigenous tea plants in 1823.

The Assam Railways and Trading Company discovered oil in the Digboi area during the late 19th century. Commercial oil production began at Digboi in 1890; the refinery followed in 1901.

Tatipaka refinery is in Andhra Pradesh. Assam’s major refineries include Digboi, Guwahati, Bongaigaon and Numaligarh.

Assam is internationally famous for strong black tea, particularly from Camellia sinensis var. assamica. Tea is a major plantation and export commodity of the state.

Royalty from petroleum and other mineral resources is a major component of Assam’s non-tax revenue. Petroleum has been economically important since commercial production at Digboi in the late 19th century.

Assam has four operating oil refineries: Digboi, Guwahati (Noonmati), Bongaigaon and Numaligarh. Digboi began refining in 1901, making it one of Asia's oldest refinery sites.

The source gives 1889 as the year crude oil was first drilled in Assam, associated with the early oil discoveries at Digboi. The Digboi oilfield became the foundation of Assam's historic petroleum industry.

The first English tea garden in India was established at Chabua, Dibrugarh, in 1837. The development of organized tea cultivation led to the formation of the Assam Tea Company in 1840.