Kerala-Konkan: The New Frontier for India's Oil

Oil India has launched a major offshore drilling initiative in the Kerala–Konkan Basin, marking a significant step forward in India’s efforts to expand domestic energy exploration.

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri announced the spudding of the first well, describing it as a key milestone in India’s energy roadmap inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. The frontier Category-III basin is regarded as highly prospective, and the planned 6,000-metre well—located 20 nautical miles offshore—will be among the deepest ever drilled in Indian waters.

Emphasizing the extensive scientific preparation behind the campaign, Minister Puri noted that more than 1,028 sq. km of 3D seismic data has already been acquired. The new drilling programme will investigate crucial Cretaceous plays and advance India’s search for fresh energy frontiers.

With India importing nearly 80% of its crude oil and half of its natural gas, the country has intensified offshore exploration efforts, including in regions such as the Andaman Sea. Earlier this month, Oil India and TotalEnergies signed a Technology Service Agreement to support deep-water and ultra-deep-water exploration across India’s sedimentary basins, aiming to tap the nation’s vast untapped offshore potential.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.