Oil India discovers natural gas in Andaman offshore block
India has received a significant boost in its offshore energy exploration efforts after Oil India Limited (OIL) confirmed the presence of natural gas at the Sri Vijayapuram-3 exploratory well in the Andaman offshore basin. The discovery marks the second successful hydrocarbon find among the three wells drilled by the company in the region, highlighting the growing potential of the Andaman Basin as an important energy resource area.
The Sri Vijayapuram-3 well is located about 15 kilometres off the eastern coast of the Andaman Islands in waters approximately 355 metres deep. Initial testing confirmed the presence of gas-bearing zones, strengthening confidence in the basin’s hydrocarbon prospects and building on earlier discoveries in the area.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, welcomed the development, describing it as a major step forward in India’s efforts to expand domestic energy production. He said the discovery reinforces the vast opportunities available in the country’s offshore regions and supports the goal of achieving greater energy self-reliance.
The find is also seen as a key milestone under the government’s Samudra Manthan Mission, an initiative aimed at accelerating offshore exploration and unlocking untapped energy resources in India’s maritime zones. Experts believe continued success in the Andaman Basin could help reduce India’s dependence on imported oil and natural gas, although further appraisal, infrastructure development, and regulatory approvals will be required before commercial production can begin.
With hydrocarbons now confirmed in two of the three exploratory wells drilled in the region, the Andaman offshore basin is increasingly emerging as a promising destination for future exploration and investment. Industry observers say sustained discoveries could strengthen India’s long-term energy security, support economic growth, and play an important role in meeting the country’s rising energy demand.
