Oil India Limited discovers natural gas in Andaman shallow offshore block

National News: Oil India Finds Natural Gas: India is heavily dependent on energy imports 88% of oil and nearly 50% of gas come from abroad. In this context, Oil India’s discovery in the Andaman Sea is being seen as a signal of a major shift. The natural gas detected in the initial tests could prove to be a milestone in India’s journey toward energy self-reliance in the coming years.

Discovery Details

Oil India Limited (OIL) informed that during drilling at the Vijaypuram-2 well in the Andaman Shallow Offshore Block AN-OSHP-2018/1, gas flow was observed. This is the same block acquired by the company under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). The company stated that this is the first concrete indication of gas and is being considered important for future exploration strategies.

What Was Found in Initial Tests

The gas sample was extracted during initial production testing and later sent to Kakinada for analysis. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed that the test verified 87% methane content. The well reaches a depth of 2,650 meters and is located approximately 17 kilometers from the eastern coast of the Andaman Islands. During the process, temporary flaring of gas was also recorded.

Expectations to Reduce Energy Import Dependence

India currently relies heavily on imports for energy. Experts are viewing the Andaman discovery as a significant opportunity. ONGC had also started ultra-deepwater drilling in the same region, but results have not yet been made public. Experts believe this discovery indicates continuity in the gas-rich region stretching from Myanmar to Indonesia.

What Lies Ahead

Oil India has stated that further tests of the upper sections will be conducted to determine the size of the gas reserve and its commercial viability. The company clarified that this is just the beginning, and the full picture will become clear in the coming months. The Ministry of Energy believes that if large reserves are confirmed in the Andaman region, India could advance rapidly toward energy self-reliance.