Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has successfully discovered gas in a deepwater well situated in the Mahanadi Basin, approximately 43 kilometres from the coast of Odisha. This significant discovery was made on September 18, with the drilling reaching a depth of about 1,450 metres. ONGC reported that gas has been flowing from the well over the past three days at promising rates and sustained pressure.

However, the company has not provided specific flow rates or estimates regarding the reserves available. Further tests are anticipated to ascertain the quantity of gas that can be extracted and to evaluate the commercial viability of the site. ONGC highlighted its commitment to exploring deep and ultra-deepwater regions in search of hydrocarbons, as indicated in their recent communication on the platform X.

Background on Previous Discoveries

This latest find follows earlier discoveries made by ONGC in the Mahanadi Basin, specifically at the Utkal and Konark sites, in 2024. The MDW-28 well is strategically located about 23 nautical miles from the Konark area and lies within waters that are roughly 770 metres deep. This well is the first of four planned for drilling under the current exploratory campaign by ONGC in the basin.

According to the company, the three discoveries made may eventually be developed collectively. The Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG) Rules, 2025, facilitate collaboration among companies by allowing them to share production and processing infrastructures, thus potentially reducing both development costs and timelines.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has described this discovery as a significant milestone in India’s offshore exploration efforts. He noted that this find, alongside others in the vicinity, consequently opens avenues for cluster developments enabled by shared facilities under the provisions of the PNG Rules, 2025.

Samudra Manthan Initiative and Future Prospects

The drilling at MDW-28 commenced on July 25, marking the launch of ONGC’s exploratory campaign aimed at tapping into the largely unexploited deep waters of the Mahanadi Basin, as part of the ‘Samudra Manthan’ initiative. The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons has estimated that the onshore resources in the basin are around 45 million tonnes.

Moreover, shallow waters contain approximately 100 million tonnes. However, it has not provided estimates for the larger deepwater section. The Union Cabinet endorsed the ‘Samudra Manthan’ initiative in July, allocating Rs 84,084 crore through the fiscal years of 2030-31. This comprehensive programme encompasses offshore surveys, deepwater drilling, and the establishment of shared production infrastructure.

Government expectations are high, anticipating that this nationwide programme could contribute over 600 million tonnes of oil equivalent to India’s hydrocarbon reserves. India’s focus on enhancing domestic oil and gas production is poised to accelerate, especially as the demand continues to rise. The country remains vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices and supply disruptions, making the successful exploitation of domestic resources all the more critical.

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