Could India Discover Guyana-Sized Oilfields in the Andaman Sea?
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Synopsis
Discover how India aims to uncover vast Guyana-sized oilfields in the Andaman Sea, as Minister Hardeep Puri unveils ambitious plans for hydrocarbon exploration. Aiming to expand exploration acreage to 1 million sq km by 2030, the initiative promises to reshape the nation's energy landscape amid global challenges.
Key Takeaways
- India is launching a new round of hydrocarbon exploration.
- Anticipation of discovering Guyana-sized oilfields in the Andaman Sea.
- Plans to expand exploration acreage significantly by 2030.
- Government reforms aim to boost domestic oil and gas production.
- India is focused on energy security amid geopolitical challenges.
New Delhi, July 17 (NationPress) The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, expressed optimism on Thursday about the new hydrocarbon exploration initiative in India, anticipating the discovery of several significant Guyana-sized oilfields, especially in the Andaman Sea.
“We are set to drill and explore over an area exceeding 200,000 sq km under the OALP (Open Acreage Licensing Policy) Round-10. Our objective is to expand exploration acreage to 0.5 million sq km by 2025 and 1.0 million sq km by 2030. I firmly believe we will uncover multiple fields comparable in size to those in Guyana, particularly in the Andaman Sea,” the minister highlighted during the 'Urja Varta 2025' event.
“Our focus is on ensuring robust data availability for explorers, offering financial incentives, maintaining a stable regulatory environment, reducing investment risks, and enhancing the ease of doing business to position India as a leading global frontier for oil and gas E&P (exploration and production),” Puri added.
He also mentioned having had “an invigorating conversation” during a fireside chat at the 'Urja Varta 2025', a unique gathering of prominent leaders and officials in India's energy sector, which aims to bolster the nation's energy security and advance the transition towards green energy under the proactive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions worldwide, India has adeptly managed the challenges of energy availability, affordability, and sustainability, the minister noted.
The government prioritizes the energy needs of its citizens and has diversified the array of countries from which oil and gas are imported.
“With forward-thinking reforms like HELP, the opening up of nearly one million sq km of previously restricted areas, and modifications to the ORD (Oilfields Regulation and Development) Act, India is undertaking extensive initiatives to enhance domestic hydrocarbon production by exploring new territories,” he conveyed to the audience.
The event assembled energy ministers from various states, senior government officials, and key industry figures from the oil and gas sector.
'Urja Varta 2025' is poised to serve as a pivotal platform for shaping the future of India's energy sector while reinforcing the nation’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Point of View
India stands at the forefront of a transformative energy journey, guided by the commitment of leaders like Hardeep Puri. The exploration of potential Guyana-sized oilfields symbolizes not just economic opportunity, but a strategic move towards energy independence and sustainability amidst global challenges. The nation is poised to enhance its energy security while championing innovative reforms.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the goals of the new hydrocarbon exploration in India?
The primary goals include discovering Guyana-sized oilfields in the Andaman Sea, expanding exploration acreage to 0.5 million sq km by 2025 and 1.0 million sq km by 2030, and enhancing domestic hydrocarbon production.
How is India ensuring a stable environment for oil exploration?
India is focusing on providing good quality data for explorers, offering financial incentives, maintaining a stable regulatory framework, and improving ease of doing business to attract investment.
