India’s domestic hydrocarbon exploration efforts received a fresh development after state-owned Oil India Limited confirmed a new Rajasthan natural gas discovery in the Dandewala field of Jaisalmer district. The company said natural gas was found in a newly explored zone within the field, adding to exploration prospects in western Rajasthan.
The discovery comes as India continues to focus on expanding domestic oil and gas production to improve long-term energy supply stability and reduce reliance on imported fuel sources.
Gas identified at nearly 950 metres depth
According to official information shared by Oil India, the newly identified gas-bearing zone was found at a depth of around 950 metres in the Dandewala field located in the Jaisalmer Basin.
During testing, the well recorded an average gas flow of nearly 25,000 standard cubic metres per day (SCMD).
Oil India stated that the discovery marks the first successful identification of gas presence in the shallower Sanu Formation within the Dandewala field. Preliminary estimates have placed the gas-in-place resources at around 75 million standard cubic metres (MMSCM).
Officials also indicated that the gas contains relatively lower carbon dioxide content, which could make it more suitable for commercial utilisation compared to higher-impurity reserves.
Rajasthan Natural Gas discovery may support future exploration
Industry observers believe the latest Rajasthan natural gas discovery could encourage additional exploration activities in nearby parts of the basin.
Western Rajasthan has remained an important hydrocarbon-producing region over the years, with multiple oil and gas fields contributing to industrial supply and energy production.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri described the development as a positive step for India’s domestic energy exploration efforts.
The Dandewala field has already been among the notable gas-producing areas operated by Oil India in Rajasthan.
Impact on domestic gas production
Experts say discoveries of this nature can contribute incrementally to India’s domestic gas production capacity, although the newly identified reserve is still under technical and commercial evaluation.
India currently imports a large share of its crude oil requirements and also depends on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) for part of its energy needs. Additional domestic discoveries may help improve supply availability over time and support future production planning.
The Rajasthan natural gas discovery is also expected to assist appraisal and development activities in the Jaisalmer Basin.
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Rajasthan natural gas discovery: key highlights
- New gas-bearing zone identified in Jaisalmer’s Dandewala field
- Discovery made at around 950 metres depth
- Average gas flow recorded at nearly 25,000 SCMD
- Preliminary estimates suggest around 75 MMSCM gas-in-place resources
- Discovery reported in the shallower Sanu Formation
- May support further hydrocarbon exploration activities in western Rajasthan
