Business
New Natural Gas Discovery Strengthens Samudra Manthan Mission
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has announced a new natural gas discovery in the Andaman Sea, describing it as a significant step toward unlocking India’s offshore energy potential and strengthening energy security.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday announced the discovery of natural gas at the Sri Vijayapuram-3 exploration site, located approximately 15 kilometres off the eastern coast of the Andaman Islands.
Sharing the development on social media, the minister said the discovery underscores the significant hydrocarbon potential of the Andaman Sea and represents another milestone in the ongoing exploration campaign in the basin.
According to the minister, the natural gas discovery was made at a water depth of 355 metres. Initial production testing conducted at a depth of more than 1,900 metres confirmed the presence of natural gas through continuous flaring operations.
The discovery is expected to strengthen India’s efforts to enhance domestic energy production and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Oil India Limited is currently carrying out gas sampling and analysis to determine the composition and calorific value of the newly discovered resource. The results will help assess the commercial viability and potential production profile of the field.
The minister highlighted that the discovery aligns with the objectives of the Samudra Manthan Mission, a major initiative aimed at expanding offshore exploration and unlocking India’s untapped hydrocarbon reserves.
Under the mission, several deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration wells are planned across India’s offshore basins to identify new oil and gas resources and strengthen the country’s long-term energy security.
Significance of the Discovery
The Andaman offshore region has increasingly emerged as a promising frontier for hydrocarbon exploration due to its geological similarities with some of the world’s major gas-producing basins.
The latest find could:
- Enhance India’s domestic natural gas output.
- Support energy security objectives.
- Reduce import dependence over the long term.
- Encourage further investment in offshore exploration.
- Strengthen the country’s transition toward cleaner energy sources, with natural gas serving as a key bridge fuel.
Energy experts view offshore discoveries such as Sri Vijayapuram-3 as crucial for meeting India’s growing energy demand while supporting economic growth and industrial development.
