Oil India Limited (OIL), an exploration and production company, has increased its offshore reserves with a new natural gas discovery in the previously unappraised Matsyapuri formation of the Krishna-Godavari Basin.
Drilled as an appraisal well in the shallow offshore block KG-DSF/GSKW/2018, the Godavari-1 well yielded strong gas flows reaching up to 2 lakh standard cubic meters per day (scumd) alongside condensate, marking a promising new milestone for the Maharatna CPSE's hydrocarbon portfolio.
Oil India emphasized: “Production testing of the zone started from 16th October 2026 and resulted in flow of natural gas to the surface at a flow rate of about 1 lakh scumd with maximum flow rate of 2 lakh scumd achieved on continuous testing with composition of condensate at the rate of about 170 bopd (API @ 60 °F is 55.8) and water with well head pressure of 1,815 psi.”
According to the Asian player, out of the selected pay zones, the presence of hydrocarbon was reported in the depth range of 2,024 to 2,027 meters. Currently, preparations are on for testing the next higher-up zone.
Oil India believes that it has made a significant stride in its quest for hydrocarbons with the discovery of natural gas in block KGDSF/GSKW/2018 of the Krishna-Godavari Basin, which was awarded to the company as a sole operator.
Dolphin Drilling’s Blackford Dolphin deepwater-capable semi-submersible rig secured an extension at the end of summer to stay on contract with Oil India up to October 15, 2026, to complete drilling, testing, and abandonment work at locations east of India.
The 1974-built rig began its 14-month hydrocarbon exploration campaign with the Asian player in November 2024.