Key Highlights
- Oil India discovered natural gas in the Vijayapuram-3 exploratory well.
- Well located 15 km off the east coast of the Andaman Islands.
- Drilled at a water depth of 355 metres.
- Natural gas confirmed through production testing and flaring.
- Discovery made under Offshore Andaman Block AN-OSHP-2018/1.
- Second confirmed hydrocarbon discovery in the block.
- Gas sampling and isotope studies currently underway.
- Find expected to support future exploration activities in the Andaman basin.
New Delhi, June 05: State-run Maharatna energy company Oil India Limited has announced a fresh natural gas discovery in the Andaman offshore basin, reinforcing the hydrocarbon potential of one of India’s most promising frontier exploration regions.
The company confirmed the presence of natural gas in the Vijayapuram-3 (Loc. OAEB) exploratory well located in the Offshore Andaman Block AN-OSHP-2018/1 under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP).
Natural Gas Found in Vijayapuram-3 Well
According to a regulatory filing, the Vijayapuram-3 well is situated approximately 15 kilometres off the eastern coast of the Andaman Islands.
Key project details include:
- Location: Offshore Andaman Block AN-OSHP-2018/1
- Distance from coast: Around 15 km east of the Andaman Islands
- Water depth: 355 metres
- Drilling depth: More than 1,900 metres
- Geological formation: Eocene formation
The exploratory drilling programme was undertaken to evaluate hydrocarbon potential in the offshore basin and has yielded encouraging results.
Production Testing Confirms Gas Presence
Oil India stated that initial production testing confirmed the presence of natural gas in the well.
During testing:
- Continuous gas flaring was observed after perforation.
- Immediate pressure build-up was recorded.
- Sustained gas production was achieved.
The company said these indicators provide strong evidence of hydrocarbon accumulation within the targeted reservoir zone.
Second Confirmed Hydrocarbon Discovery in the Block
The latest discovery follows an earlier gas find at the Vijayapuram-2 (Loc. OAEA) exploratory well in September 2025.
Out of the three exploratory wells drilled so far in the offshore block:
- Two wells have indicated hydrocarbon presence.
- One well has not reported commercial hydrocarbon confirmation.
The success rate strengthens confidence in the exploration prospects of the Andaman basin.
Gas Sampling and Scientific Studies Underway
Oil India has initiated further technical studies to evaluate the discovery in detail.
The company said ongoing activities include:
- Gas composition analysis
- Calorific value assessment
- Isotope studies
- Reservoir evaluation
These investigations will help determine the quality, origin, and commercial potential of the hydrocarbons discovered in the block.
Discovery Could Reshape Exploration Strategy
Oil India described the latest gas find as a significant indicator of an active petroleum system in the region.
According to the company, the discovery could point to:
- Potential hydrocarbon source rocks
- Migration pathways
- Reservoir accumulation zones
- Additional exploration opportunities
The findings are expected to help refine future drilling programmes and exploration strategies in the Andaman offshore basin.
Importance of the Andaman Offshore Basin
The Andaman offshore region is increasingly being viewed as a frontier hydrocarbon province with significant untapped potential.
The basin has attracted attention due to:
- Geological similarities with productive Southeast Asian basins
- Deepwater and shallow-water exploration opportunities
- Potential for large gas accumulations
- Strategic importance for India’s energy security
Successful discoveries in the area could contribute to reducing India’s dependence on imported hydrocarbons over the long term.
Boost for India’s Energy Exploration Efforts
The discovery aligns with the government’s efforts to increase domestic oil and gas production through the Open Acreage Licensing Policy.
The OALP framework allows energy companies to identify and bid for exploration blocks with promising geological prospects, encouraging greater investment in hydrocarbon exploration.
Oil India’s latest success is expected to support India’s broader objective of strengthening energy self-reliance and enhancing domestic resource development.
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