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Oliguria, defined as the production of abnormally low amounts of urine, can be influenced by various conditions, but one of the most likely causes among the listed choices is prostatic hypertrophy.

Prostatic hypertrophy, which involves the enlargement of the prostate gland, can lead to urinary retention and obstruction of the urethra. As the flow of urine is impeded, the bladder might not empty fully, resulting in decreased urine output. This can create a situation where the kidneys are producing urine, but the bladder is unable to effectively pass it out, thus contributing to the condition of oliguria.

In contrast, acute renal failure typically leads to the production of little or no urine due to direct damage to the kidneys or impairment in their blood flow, but it is not solely characterized by oliguria as it could also lead to anuria. Diabetes insipidus primarily affects the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine, leading to increased urine production (polyuria) rather than decreased output. Hypercalcemia can lead to increased thirst and urination, but it is not directly associated with causing oliguria.

Therefore, recognizing the relationship between prostatic hypertrophy and urinary obstruction elucidates why this condition is a strong candidate for causing oliguria.