World · India Bureau
ONGC discovers gas in Mahanadi offshore block under Samudra Manthan
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has struck gas at a deepwater well approximately 43 kilometres off Konark in Odisha, marking the first discovery under the Samudra Manthan exploration initiative. The well is producing gas with encouraging reservoir pressure, though additional appraisal work is required to determine commercial feasibility.
LSN India ·
The discovery comes as part of ONGC's accelerated exploration drive in India's offshore basins. The deepwater well, situated in the Mahanadi block, has demonstrated positive flow characteristics, signalling the presence of viable hydrocarbon accumulations in the region.
ONGC has indicated that the reservoir is exhibiting encouraging pressure profiles, a positive indicator for potential production rates. However, the company has flagged that further appraisal drilling and evaluation will be necessary before making a final determination on whether the find meets the threshold for commercial development.
The Samudra Manthan initiative, launched to intensify exploration activities across India's offshore acreage, aims to unlock additional hydrocarbon resources and reduce the nation's energy import dependence. Success in the Mahanadi block could open fresh opportunities for deepwater exploration in the eastern coast region.
The timeframe for completing appraisal activities and reaching a commerciality decision has not been disclosed. Industry observers will monitor ONGC's next steps closely, as the company evaluates the well's economic parameters against current global energy market conditions.