Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has announced a significant gas discovery in the deepwater well MN-DW18-1-H-D in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin, off the coast of Odisha. This find is part of ONGC's 'Samudra Manthan' initiative aimed at exploring new energy reserves.
September 18, 2026
Discovery Date
⏳ Time Machine
How today’s news fits into the bigger picture
Early 2000s
KG Basin Discoveries
Reliance Industries Limited made significant gas discoveries in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin, raising hopes for increased domestic energy production and reduced import dependence.
Mid-2010s
Challenges in Deepwater Exploration
Despite efforts, projects faced challenges in cost, technology, and timely monetization, highlighting the complexities of such ventures.
Late 2024
Samudra Manthan Initiative Launched
ONGC launched its ambitious 'Samudra Manthan' initiative, specifically targeting deepwater and ultra- to find new across Indian basins.
September 2026
Mahanadi Deepwater Gas Strike
ONGC successfully struck gas at the deepwater well MN-DW18-1-H-D in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin, a crucial step towards enhancing India's .
Today
ONGC announced a significant gas discovery in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin, off the Odisha coast.
What happens next?
ONGC will conduct extensive appraisal drilling and testing over the next several years to determine the commercial viability and full extent of the gas reserves.
ONGC, India's largest oil and gas producer, has struck gas in a deepwater well within the Mahanadi Offshore Basin. The discovery, designated MN-DW18-1-H-D, was made off the Odisha coast under the company's ambitious 'Samudra Manthan' exploration program. While the exact commercial viability and reserve size are yet to be fully assessed, such a discovery is crucial for India's energy security, reducing reliance on imports. It highlights ONGC's sustained efforts in challenging deepwater exploration, which typically involves higher costs and advanced technology. This development could significantly contribute to India's domestic gas production in the long term.
💭 If you're wondering…
'Deepwater' refers to oil and gas exploration and production activities conducted in ocean depths greater than 1,000 feet, which are technically challenging and expensive.
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