Massive Oil Reserve Possibility in Andaman & Nicobar

Massive Oil Reserve Possibility in Andaman & Nicobar

India may uncover 1.84 lakh crore litres of oil in the Andaman Sea — a discovery as big as Guyana’s. This could push India toward a $20 trillion economy, says Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

🌊 A Game-Changing Discovery

India may be on the brink of a historic energy breakthrough. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently revealed that preliminary surveys indicate the presence of a massive oil reserve in the Andaman and Nicobar Basin, with an estimated capacity of 1.84 lakh crore litres (approximately 14 billion barrels)comparable to the oil discovery in Guyana.

If confirmed, this could radically shift India's energy future and unlock an entirely new chapter in its economic journey.


🔥 How This Discovery Could Transform India

AreaImpact
Energy IndependenceCould reduce India's 85% dependence on imported oil
Economic GrowthSupports the vision of becoming a $20 trillion economy
Job CreationTriggers large-scale employment in energy, infrastructure, and logistics
Global InfluencePositions India as a major player in the global energy market
Strategic ImportanceIncreases Andaman’s role as an energy, security, and trade hub

📊 Comparison: India vs. Guyana Oil Discovery

FactorGuyanaIndia (Andaman, Estimate)
Year of Discovery2015Survey report revealed in 2025
Oil Reserve Estimate~11 billion barrels~14 billion barrels
Economic ImpactDoubled Guyana’s GDPCould help achieve $20 trillion GDP
Global AttentionVery HighRapidly growing

🗣️ What Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Said

“We have discovered resources in the Andaman region that are comparable to what was found in Guyana… If confirmed, this could make India self-sufficient in oil and a major global energy player.”

The minister emphasized the strategic and economic value of the Andaman region and revealed that global energy firms and ONGC are already active in the exploration process.


🔍 Current Status and What’s Next

  • Seismic and geological surveys completed
  • 🛠️ Exploratory drilling and evaluation in progress
  • 🤝 Potential for partnerships with global oil and gas companies
  • 📅 Commercial extraction expected to begin by the end of this decade (2030)

🌐 Global Implications of This Discovery

  • Reshapes oil trade dynamics in Asia-Pacific
  • Decreases India's reliance on Middle Eastern crude
  • Boosts India’s influence in Indo-Pacific energy corridors
  • Strengthens India’s energy diplomacy and strategic autonomy

🛢️ India's Oil Reserves: A Quick Overview

RegionKnown Reserves (approx.)
Rajasthan (Barmer)3.6 billion barrels
Mumbai High1.4 billion barrels
Krishna-Godavari1 billion+ barrels
Andaman (Estimated)14 billion barrels (pending confirmation)

🏁 Conclusion: The Beginning of India’s Energy Revolution

This discovery, if validated and efficiently tapped, could be one of the most important milestones in India's economic history. From reducing oil imports to becoming a global energy hub, India’s path toward a $20 trillion economy may begin beneath the waters of the Andaman Sea.

The world is watching — India could be entering its energy golden age.