Crude oil production this financial year is expected to be 37.96 million tonne, a rise of 12.67%, said minister for petroleum and natural gas Murli Deora. Natural gas production is likely to rise 12.80% to 146.82 million standard cubic metre per day this fiscal, Deora said. In 2009-10, there were 15 new oil discoveries by public and private companies in the country, the minister said.