Oil India has stepped up its upstream exploration work by completing seismic studies on blocks won in the ninth round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). The company is using the data to prepare bids for the tenth round, while also pushing drilling and appraisal activity in the Andaman basin. The work reflects a broader effort to expand acreage, assess hydrocarbon potential, and strengthen domestic energy security.
OALP Acreage and Seismic Work
Oil India won all nine blocks it bid for in the earlier OALP round, including standalone and joint venture entries. This expanded its acreage by more than 51,000 square kilometres to around 110,000 square kilometres. The company received blocks in the Assam Shelf, Mahanadi, Krishna Godavari and Cambay basins. It has completed 2D seismic acquisition and about 36% of 3D seismic studies, along with petroleum system modelling.
Bid Strategy for OALP Round-X
The company is now using in-house analysis of basin prospects and location data to frame its bidding strategy for OALP Round-X. Seismic interpretation is central to identifying promising exploration areas before submitting bids. Such pre-bid technical work helps reduce geological uncertainty and improves the chances of successful exploration.
Exploration Targets and Drilling Plans
Oil India is targeting more than 80 wells this year and 100 wells next year. The company is also continuing drilling in the Andaman basin, where it has already completed 3,000 metres of a planned 4,200-metre third well. The basin is being assessed as a petroliferous area with potential for natural gas and other hydrocarbons.
Andaman Basin Appraisal
The company had earlier reported hydrocarbon occurrence in the Andaman basin after drilling a second well near Port Blair. It has reprocessed 2D seismic data and plans to collect 3D seismic data over about 600 square kilometres, followed by an appraisal well. This will help determine the size and commercial viability of the discovery.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026