ONGC discovers natural gas in Mahanadi deepwater well off Odisha

State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has discovered natural gas in a deepwater exploration well in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin. The discovery occurred at the MN-DW18-1-H-D well, located approximately 43 km off the Konark coast of Odisha.

The well, part of the ‘Samudra Manthan’ deepwater exploration campaign, was drilled to a target depth of 1,623 metres. A gas-bearing zone was identified between depths of 1,441 and 1,452 metres. ONGC reported that the well has been flowing gas with “encouraging flow and reservoir pressure” for several days.

While the find is a significant milestone for India’s domestic hydrocarbon production and energy security, ONGC stated that commercial viability has not yet been established. Further appraisal and technical evaluations are required to determine the reservoir size and recoverable resources. The proximity to the coast may allow for faster monetization, potentially through shared infrastructure and facilities as permitted under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2025.