Dialogus Bureau
New Delhi: Oil India Ltd (OIL) on Friday announced the occurrence of natural gas in its second exploratory well, Vijayapuram-2, drilled in the Offshore Andaman Block AN-OSHP-2018/1 under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP).
The well, located in the Andaman Shallow Offshore Block, marks a significant milestone as it represents the first reported occurrence of hydrocarbons during the ongoing exploration campaign in the region. Preliminary analysis of gas samples collected during intermittent inflow as part of initial production testing has confirmed the presence of natural gas, the company said in a press statement.
OIL stated that further gas isotope studies are under way to better understand the genesis of the gas. These studies will provide crucial insights into whether the reported inflow indicates a source, a migration pathway, or potential accumulation of hydrocarbons. Such findings are expected to play a vital role in shaping the company’s future exploration and drilling strategy in the Andaman offshore basin.
In addition to the initial discovery, OIL is also conducting further tests on higher-up prospects in the well to comprehensively evaluate the occurrence of gas. According to the company, these steps are aimed at maximising the understanding of the block’s hydrocarbon potential and refining exploration plans.
“This preliminary occurrence of natural gas is a positive indicator for OIL’s exploration efforts in the Andaman Offshore Block. It reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding India’s hydrocarbon resources and contributing to the country’s energy security,” OIL said in a statement.
With India seeking to increase domestic oil and gas production to reduce reliance on imports, OIL’s initial success in the Andaman Shallow Offshore Block could open a new frontier for hydrocarbon exploration in the country’s offshore sector.