India News : India has discovered a significant new natural gas reserve in the Andaman Sea. The discovery was made by Oil India Limited (OIL), a Navratna public sector enterprise. The development was officially announced by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Minister Shares Details of the Discovery
In a post on social media platform X, Hardeep Singh Puri said that the energy potential of the Andaman Sea has become even more promising. He described the confirmation of natural gas presence in the “Shri Vijaypuram-3” exploratory well as a highly encouraging development.
Discovery Made Near Andaman Islands
The natural gas find was made at the Shri Vijaypuram-3 exploratory well, located about 15 kilometers off the eastern coast of the Andaman Islands.
The well was drilled in waters approximately 355 meters deep. During the exploration process, Oil India drilled more than 1,900 meters into the Eocene geological formation.
Gas Presence Confirmed During Testing
According to the company, continuous gas flaring was observed during initial testing operations, confirming the presence of natural gas in the reservoir.
Boost for India’s Energy Security
Energy experts believe the discovery could strengthen India’s energy security and support efforts to reduce dependence on imported fuels. If further appraisal and testing confirm commercially viable reserves, the find could contribute significantly to increasing domestic natural gas production.
The Andaman offshore region has long been considered a promising hydrocarbon zone, and this latest discovery further enhances its strategic importance for India’s energy future.
