Overview

• Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced the occurrence from the Vijayapuram-2 exploratory well in shallow offshore Andaman Block AN-OSHP-2018/1.
• Initial production testing in the 2,212–2,250 metre interval showed intermittent inflows with flaring, confirming the presence of natural gas.
• Gas samples transported to Kakinada laboratory facilities tested at roughly 87% methane, according to the minister.
• Oil India said this is the first reported hydrocarbon occurrence in its ongoing Andaman Shallow Offshore exploration campaign and is evaluating higher-up prospects in the well.
• The finding aligns with India’s National Deep Water Exploration Mission, with authorities citing planned collaboration with global deepwater firms as further appraisal proceeds.