Archive · 21 Sep 2025
ONGC, BP to Expand Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration
India wants to find more oil and gas to reduce buying from other countries.
ONGC, along with BP, is planning to start drilling in the ocean in early 2026.
They will drill in specific areas like the Andaman and Bengal basins to learn about the rock layers and find potential oil and gas.
This project will cost a lot of money and BP will share its expertise to help with the drilling.
The goal is to discover new energy sources, make India more energy independent, and reduce reliance on imports.
ONGC and BP plan to begin drilling stratigraphic wells in early 2026.
The project aims to enhance energy security and cut down on imports.
Drilling will take place in the Andaman, Mahanadi, Saurashtra, and Bengal basins.
BP will provide technical assistance for well design and location.
ONGC has made discoveries in 20 blocks with estimated reserves.
- Who
- ONGC, BP, and Oil India Ltd (OIL)
- What
- Plan to step up exploration for oil and gas in offshore basins.
- When
- Beginning early 2026 (drilling).
- Where
- Andaman, Mahanadi, Saurashtra, and Bengal offshore sedimentary basins.
- Why
- To enhance energy security and reduce reliance on imports.
Government
Industry
Objectives
Government
Reduce import dependence by discovering domestic oil and gas reserves.
Industry
Increase energy security, driving exploration campaigns.
- Project Cost
- Rs 3,200 crore
- Drilling Start
- Early 2026 (planned)
- Wells (Phase 1)
- Stratigraphic wells
- Basin Locations
- Andaman, Mahanadi, Saurashtra, Bengal
- Partners
- ONGC, BP
- Discoveries (ONGC)
- 20 blocks, 75 million metric tonnes oil equivalent
