
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has commenced drilling its first deepwater exploratory well, MN-DW18-1-H-D, in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin under the Government of India's Samudra Manthan Mission.
The well was virtually spudded by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on July 25, 2026.
The commencement of drilling marks the start of ONGC's deepwater exploration programme under the Samudra Manthan Mission, aimed at exploring India's deep and ultra-deepwater hydrocarbon resources.
The MN-DW18-1-H-D well is being drilled around 23 nautical miles from the Konark discovery off the Odisha coast.
ONGC said its recent Utkal and Konark discoveries have strengthened the hydrocarbon potential of the Mahanadi Offshore Basin.
ONGC said India has opened nearly one million square kilometres of previously restricted offshore areas for exploration.
The company added that India's eastern and western offshore basins, extending to water depths of up to 3,000 metres, are estimated to hold more than 5,600 MMTOE of hydrocarbon potential.
Read More: Chennai Metro Plans 25 Km Extension to Chengalpattu, Floats Tender for DPR!
As of July 24, 2026, ONGC share price closed at ₹248.76 per share, reflecting a decline of 1.43% from the previous trading session.
ONGC has commenced drilling its first deepwater exploratory well in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin under the Samudra Manthan Mission. The well is located near the Konark discovery and forms part of the company's deepwater exploration programme in offshore India.
Want to read stock market updates in Hindi? Angel One News gives comprehensive share market news in Hindi.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Jul 25, 2026, 4:54 PM IST

Team Angel One
We're Live on WhatsApp! Join our channel for market insights & updates
