Oil India natural gas discovery in the shallow-water Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin marks an important development in the company’s exploration activities. The Godavari-1 well has recorded a peak gas flow rate of 200,000 standard cubic metres per day (SCMD), according to the reported test results.
The offshore discovery recorded a peak gas flow rate of 200,000 standard cubic metres per day, with condensate production of around 170 barrels daily
New Delhi: State-owned Oil India Limited (OIL) has reported a natural gas discovery in its shallow-water offshore block in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin off India’s eastern coast, marking a fresh development in the country’s domestic hydrocarbon exploration efforts.
The discovery was made in the Matsyapuri formation, which had not been appraised previously, at the Godavari-1 appraisal well in the KG-DSF/GSKW/2018 offshore block. Oil India secured the block through the government’s Discovered Small Field (DSF) bidding rounds.
According to the company, testing of a hydrocarbon-bearing zone at a depth of 2,024 to 2,027 metres began on October 16, 2026. During testing, the well recorded a peak gas flow rate of 200,000 standard cubic metres per day (SCMD).
Oil India reported that the well flowed natural gas at approximately 100,000 SCMD, with the maximum rate reaching 200,000 SCMD during continuous testing. The company also recorded condensate production of around 170 barrels per day.
Preparations are underway to test another zone at a higher level in the well, the company said. However, Oil India has not yet disclosed an estimate of the total recoverable resources associated with the discovery.
Further testing and technical assessment will be important in determining the commercial potential of the find and its possible contribution to future domestic gas supplies.
The Krishna-Godavari Basin, located off India’s eastern coastline, is among the country’s significant offshore hydrocarbon regions. Exploration and production projects in the basin have contributed to efforts to expand domestic supplies of natural gas.
The latest discovery adds to exploration activity in the region. Its ultimate significance will depend on further appraisal, resource evaluation and decisions regarding the development of the field.
India continues to rely on imports to meet a substantial share of its natural gas requirements. Discoveries within domestic offshore blocks can help expand the country’s resource base, although their contribution to production depends on the size of the reserves, technical feasibility and commercial viability.
The government has set a target of increasing natural gas to 15% of India’s energy mix by 2030. Exploration initiatives and the development of domestic hydrocarbon resources form part of the broader effort to strengthen energy availability and reduce import dependence.
Oil India’s latest discovery represents a new exploration result in the KG Basin. The next phase of testing and the company’s subsequent assessment should provide a clearer picture of the resource potential and prospects for future development.
