VOI World/ Desk
Oil India Ltd (OIL) has confirmed the first occurrence of natural gas in its shallow offshore block in the Andaman Sea, marking a significant step in India’s energy exploration.
The gas was encountered at the Vijayapuram-2 exploratory well in block AN-OSHP-2018/1, drilled about 17 km from the east coast of the Andaman Islands at a water depth of 295 meters. Initial testing of samples from about 2,212-2,250 meters confirmed gas flows and showed an 87% methane composition.
While this is an “occurrence” — not yet a commercial discovery — it is an early indication of potential hydrocarbon accumulation and will guide further exploration. OIL is now conducting additional testing and geological studies to assess the scale and viability of the find.
If proven commercially viable, such a find could help reduce India’s reliance on imported energy, enhance domestic supply of cleaner fuel, and open up a new front in offshore exploration along India’s eastern maritime belt.
