New Delhi, June 5: Oil India Limited, a government-owned Maharatna company, announced on Friday a new discovery of natural gas in its third exploratory well located in the shallow offshore block of the Andaman Islands. The company stated that this discovery is a significant indication of hydrocarbon presence in the area.
According to the company, the well named Vijaypuram-3 (Location OEB) was drilled under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) in the offshore Andaman block AN-OSHP-2018/1. This well is situated approximately 15 kilometers off the eastern coast of the Andaman Islands, at a water depth of 355 meters.
The drilling operation reached over 1,900 meters deep into the Eocene geological formation. In an exchange filing, Oil India confirmed the presence of natural gas during the initial production testing. After perforation, gas was seen burning continuously, indicating its availability.
The company reported that the pressure in the well increased rapidly, leading to the commencement of gas production. Oil India expressed its satisfaction in a regulatory filing, stating, “We are pleased to announce that the third exploratory well, Vijaypuram-3 (Location OEB), drilled 15 kilometers off the eastern coast of the Andaman Islands at a water depth of 355 meters, has confirmed the presence of natural gas under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy in offshore block AN-OSHP-2018/1.”
Currently, gas samples are being tested to determine their composition and calorific value. Additionally, isotopic studies are underway to help understand the source and origin of hydrocarbons.
This marks the second confirmation of hydrocarbons in the Andaman offshore block. Previously, in September 2025, natural gas was also discovered in the second exploratory well, Vijaypuram-2 (Location OEA). To date, three exploratory wells have been drilled in this block, with two showing signs of hydrocarbon presence.
The company has described this new discovery as a crucial indicator pointing towards the sources, flow paths, or potential reserves of hydrocarbons in the region. Oil India believes that this discovery will play a vital role in shaping future exploration and production strategies in the area.
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