Oil India Limited (OIL), a Maharatna public sector undertaking, has discovered natural gas in the Matsyapuri formation in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin, marking a significant development in its offshore hydrocarbon exploration programme. The company made the discovery in the shallow-water Discovered Small Field (DSF) block KG-DSF/GSKW/2018, where it operates as the sole operator. The discovery strengthens OIL’s exploration efforts in the KG Basin, a key hydrocarbon-producing region off India’s eastern coast.
Godavari-1 Well Confirms Natural Gas Presence
OIL drilled the Godavari-1 well as an appraisal well to evaluate the block’s hydrocarbon potential. During drilling, the company encountered hydrocarbons in a selected pay zone at a depth of 2,024–2,027 metres. Subsequently, the company began production testing of the zone on October 16 to assess its flow characteristics and production potential.
Production Testing Records Strong Gas Flow
During testing, the Godavari-1 well produced natural gas at an initial rate of approximately 100,000 standard cubic metres per day (SCMD). The maximum flow rate reached 200,000 SCMD during continuous testing. The test also recorded condensate production of approximately 170 barrels per day (bopd), with an API gravity of 55.8 at 60°F. Meanwhile, the company recorded wellhead pressure at 1,815 psi. These results provide important technical information about the tested zone. However, further evaluation will help establish the discovery’s overall commercial potential.
Further Testing Planned for the Godavari-1 Well
OIL is preparing to test the next higher-up zone in the Godavari-1 well. The additional testing will help the company assess other potential hydrocarbon-bearing intervals and build a clearer understanding of the well’s resource potential. The natural gas discovery adds to OIL’s exploration activities in the Krishna-Godavari Basin, an important offshore region for India’s oil and gas industry. As reported by psuwatch.com, further testing and technical evaluation will help determine the discovery’s potential contribution to domestic hydrocarbon production. The results could also support OIL’s broader efforts to expand its exploration portfolio and contribute to India’s energy security.
