It marks the second successful gas-bearing well drilled by OIL in the block, following the natural gas find at Vijaya Puram-2 in September 2025.
State-run Oil India Ltd (OIL) has made its second natural gas discovery in the Andaman offshore region, reinforcing hopes that the frontier basin could emerge as a significant hydrocarbon-producing area in the coming years.
Of the three exploratory wells drilled so far under the company's ongoing Andaman exploration campaign, two have now confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons, substantially improving the basin's exploration outlook.
Discovery Highlights: Vijaya Puram-3 Well
- Location: Approximately 15 kilometres off the east coast of the Andaman Islands.
- Water Depth: 355 metres.
- Testing Depth: Over 1,900 metres in the Eocene formation.
- Result: Established the presence of natural gas through continuous flaring. Following perforation, the well recorded a rapid pressure build-up and commenced production, indicating encouraging reservoir characteristics.
Boosting Domestic Energy Security
Hon'ble Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, described the development as another positive step in India's efforts to strengthen domestic energy security through increased exploration in offshore basins.
"Under the Samudra Manthan Mission (National Deep Water Exploration Mission) announced by Hon'ble PM @narendramodi Ji on Independence Day 2025, large numbers of deepwater & Ultra deepwater exploration wells are planned in our offshore basins to fully exploit our hydrocarbon reserves."
— Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister
Future Outlook & Appraisal Programmes
The back-to-back gas discoveries are being viewed as a major milestone for India's offshore exploration efforts, particularly in the relatively underexplored Andaman Basin. Industry observers believe the findings could pave the way for intensified exploration and appraisal activities.
Following the earlier Vijaya Puram-2 discovery, OIL initiated an extensive appraisal programme. This includes the reprocessing of existing seismic data and the acquisition of nearly 600 square kilometres of additional 3D seismic data. Data processing and interpretation are currently underway to guide future appraisal drilling activities.
Company Statement: Responding to the Minister's post, Oil India stated, Oil India remains committed to advancing exploration through technological excellence and unlocking the nation's hydrocarbon potential for a secure energy future.
(Source: Deccan Chronicle / Quoting PTI / DT Andaman)