The Mahanadi Basin Gas Discovery has brought a new natural gas find off Odisha. State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) found gas in a deepwater well around 43 km from the Konark coast. The discovery was made on September 18, 2026, at a depth of around 1,450 metres.Key HighlightsONGC found natural gas in the deepwater Mahanadi Basin.The well is around 43 km off the Konark coast.Gas has flowed for three days at encouraging rates.Further tests will decide reserves and commercial viability. Where Was the Gas Found?The ONGC natural gas discovery was made in the MDW-28 well, also identified as MN-DW18-1-H-D. The well is the first one drilled by ONGC under its current deepwater exploration campaign in the basin."The well reached a target depth of 1,623 metres, with gas found between about 1,441 and 1,452 metres. The location is around 43 km offshore from Konark, making it relatively close to the Odisha coast."What Did ONGC Say About the Discovery?ONGC said the well has been producing gas at encouraging rates with sustained reservoir pressure. However, the company has not yet announced the flow rate or the estimated size of the gas reserves.“ONGC will continue to push into deep and ultra-deepwater frontiers in the search for hydrocarbons.”Further testing and appraisal work will be needed to find out how much gas can be recovered. These studies will also help determine whether the Odisha offshore gas discovery can support commercial production. Related Instagram Video :Mahanadi Basin Gas DiscoveryWhy Is the Mahanadi Basin Important?The Mahanadi Basin natural gas discovery adds to earlier exploration activity in the region. ONGC had also reported the Utkal and Konark discoveries in the basin in 2024.The latest ONGC deepwater well is part of the Samudra Manthan campaign, which focuses on exploring India’s offshore and deepwater hydrocarbon resources. Drilling at the well began on July 25, 2026.What Happens Next?The discovery does not yet confirm commercial gas production. ONGC will conduct more tests and evaluate the size and quality of the resource.Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the discovery, along with other nearby finds, could support cluster development using shared facilities under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2025. Such infrastructure could help reduce development costs and timelines if the discoveries are found commercially viableThe natural gas discovery in India is therefore an important exploration result, but its final contribution to domestic energy supply will depend on further appraisal, reserve estimates and commercial evaluation.Also Read : ONGC Standalone Net Profit Rises 3.1% in March-End Quarter Powered by Higher Crude Price Realizations
