Key Development Details
Oil India Limited (OIL), a Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, has confirmed the presence of natural gas in its third exploratory well Vijayapuram-3 (Location OAEB). The well is located 15 km off the east coast of the Andaman Islands at a water depth of 355 meters in the Offshore Andaman Block AN-OSHP-2018/1 under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP).
Exploration Results
This discovery marks the second successful well out of three exploratory wells drilled so far in the block. The company previously reported occurrence of natural gas in the second exploratory well Vijayapuram-2 (Location OAEA) on September 26, 2025.
Initial production testing was conducted at a depth of 1900+ meters in the Eocene formation, which established the presence of natural gas through continuous flaring. Immediate pressure build-up was observed post-perforation, and the well began producing.
Technical Assessment
Further gas sampling is being undertaken to assess the composition and calorific value of the gas, along with isotope studies to understand the genesis of the gas. Preliminary assessment indicates this is a leading indicator of presence of source or migration pathway or accumulation of hydrocarbon in the current prospect.
Appraisal Program Status
Following the September 2025 gas discovery in Vijayapuram-2, Oil India has already initiated an appraisal program. The company has completed reprocessing of available 2D seismic data and acquisition of additional 600 Sq.Km of 3D seismic data. Processing of both the newly acquired and vintage 3D seismic data is currently ongoing.
Future Plans
Post processing and interpretation of the seismic data, the company plans to undertake appraisal well drilling operations.
Document Metadata
Ref. No. OIL/SEC/32-33/NSE-BS dated: 05.06.2026