Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Limited (OIL) are preparing for a ₹3,200 crore stratigraphic drilling campaign, set to begin early 2026. The project will target untapped offshore areas, marking a significant step toward bolstering India’s energy security.
First Phase: Four Wells Across Key Basins
In the first phase, the companies plan to drill four wells in the Andaman, Mahanadi, Saurashtra, and Bengal sedimentary basins. Global energy major BP will provide technical expertise in identifying drilling locations and executing the operations, adding international credibility to the campaign.
What is Stratigraphic Drilling?
Stratigraphic drilling, also known as a stratigraphic test well, is an exploratory method used to study underground geological formations. Unlike conventional drilling, its goal is not immediate hydrocarbon extraction but rather data collection. Through continuous coring, petrophysical logging, and seismic data integration, stratigraphic wells generate detailed geological profiles that inform future exploration strategies.
Government Support and Cost Sharing
The government will fully fund ONGC and OIL’s campaign. The ₹3,200 crore project cost covers payments to BP for its services. Since the Centre owns the blocks, it will decide how to monetize any discoveries—either by auctioning them or allocating them to a company or consortium on a nomination basis.
Reducing India’s Import Dependence
India currently imports 88% of its oil and nearly 50% of its natural gas needs, translating to an annual import bill of $150 billion. By supporting new exploration projects, the government aims to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. Stratigraphic drilling is expected to play a critical role in identifying fresh reserves.
Policy Push for Exploration
To attract investment, the government has cut ‘no-go’ zones by 99%, unlocking over one million sq km of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for exploration. It has also refined gas pricing formulas, allowing higher rates for resources produced from challenging deep-sea areas, making exploration more commercially viable.
Strengthening India’s Energy Ecosystem
In 2022, India launched a Data Center at the University of Houston and upgraded the National Data Repository (NDR) to a cloud-based platform, making sedimentary basin data more accessible. These steps have already drawn interest from global energy giants such as ExxonMobil and Chevron. They have acquired Indian basin data, reflecting renewed global confidence in India’s exploration potential.
Toward a Secure Energy Future
Newsbytesapp.com reports that ONGC and OIL will begin a stratigraphic drilling campaign. Backed by government support and international expertise, the project signals India’s determination to unlock its hydrocarbon reserves. By combining advanced exploration methods with policy reforms, the country is steadily moving toward greater energy independence and security.
