Published: 26 September 2025DD NewsEconomy
Oil India Discovers Natural Gas in Andaman Sea — First Hydrocarbon Find in Region
Oil India Limited (OIL) reported a significant natural gas discovery off the Andaman Islands, marking the first confirmed hydrocarbon occurrence in the region. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced the discovery on September 27, 2025.
The gas was found in the Sri Vijayapuram-2 well, located 17 km from the shoreline on the east coast of the Andaman Islands at a water depth of 295 metres and target depth of 2,650 metres. Initial production testing at 2,212-2,250 metre depth established intermittent natural gas flaring. Gas samples shipped to Kakinada tested at 87% methane. The commercial viability and pool size will be verified in coming months, but the discovery confirms long-held beliefs that the Andaman basin is gas-rich, consistent with hydrocarbon finds along the Myanmar-to-Indonesia belt.
0Mains angle
Q: Discuss the strategic and energy-security implications of Oil India's first hydrocarbon discovery in the Andaman Sea announced in September 2025.
Answer (50 words):
Oil India Limited announced the first-ever hydrocarbon discovery in the Andaman basin on September 27, 2025, striking natural gas in the Sri Vijayapuram-2 well, 17 km offshore at 295 metres water depth. Samples tested 87% methane at Kakinada. Commercial viability remains under verification, but it bolsters India's energy-security frontier eastwards.
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India's bamboo bio-refinery at Numaligarh is a joint venture involving which country's companies?
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Frequently asked questions
Where did Oil India discover natural gas in Andaman Sea?
**Oil India Limited (OIL)** discovered natural gas off the **Andaman Islands** in the Andaman Sea, marking the **first confirmed hydrocarbon find** in this region. The discovery opens new prospects for India's offshore energy exploration.
What is the significance of Oil India's Andaman Sea gas discovery?
Oil India's natural gas discovery in the **Andaman Sea** is the **first hydrocarbon find** in this region. It demonstrates India's expanding offshore exploration capabilities and could open the **Andaman-Nicobar Basin** as a new hydrocarbon province.
Which company made the first hydrocarbon find in Andaman Sea?
**Oil India Limited (OIL)**, a government-owned upstream oil company, made the first confirmed natural gas discovery off the **Andaman Islands**. This marks a major milestone in India's offshore exploration history.
What type of hydrocarbon was found by Oil India in the Andaman Sea?
**Oil India Limited** found **natural gas** off the Andaman Islands, marking the first confirmed hydrocarbon discovery in the **Andaman Sea basin**. The find is significant for India's eastern offshore energy potential.
What does Oil India's Andaman Sea discovery mean for India's energy security?
Oil India's discovery of **natural gas in the Andaman Sea** is significant for India's energy security as it establishes the commercial viability of the **Andaman-Nicobar offshore basin**. It could lead to further exploration and reduce India's dependence on energy imports.
