Oil India Limited discovered natural gas at the Sri Vijayapuram-3 exploratory well off the coast of the Andaman Islands [1].
The find marks a significant step in India's effort to reduce reliance on foreign energy imports by expanding domestic hydrocarbon production. This discovery is part of the Samudra Manthan offshore exploration mission, a strategic initiative designed to identify new energy frontiers within the Andaman Basin [3].
The exploratory well is located approximately 15 km [1] off the eastern coast of the Andaman Islands. This specific find at the Vijayapuram-3 well represents the second confirmed occurrence of natural gas within the Andaman offshore block [4].
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the discovery occurred on April 30, 2024 [3]. According to reports, natural gas has now been confirmed in two of the three wells drilled in the Andaman Basin [1].
The operation focuses on the Andaman Basin, a region long targeted for its potential to hold substantial energy reserves. By successfully striking gas in the third exploratory well, the state-run company has provided further evidence of the basin's viability, a result that supports the broader goals of the Samudra Manthan mission [3].
Oil India Limited continues to evaluate the volume and commercial feasibility of the discovery. The success of these offshore wells is critical for the government's strategy to bolster national energy security through the exploration of deep-water resources [3].
“Natural gas has now been confirmed in two of the three wells drilled in the Andaman Basin.”
The discovery at the Vijayapuram-3 well validates the geological potential of the Andaman Basin, suggesting that the region could become a primary hub for India's domestic gas production. By confirming gas in two out of three wells, Oil India Limited increases the probability of finding commercially viable reserves, which would lower the cost of energy imports and strengthen India's strategic autonomy in the energy sector.
