Parliament Question: Status of Kankpul-1 gas discovery after completion of appraisal phase

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATRURAL GAS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 302 ANSWERED ON - 02/02/2026 STATUS OF KANKPUL-1 GAS DISCOVERY AFTER COMPLETION OF APPRAISAL PHASE 302 SHRI SAMIK BHATTACHARYA: Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state: (a) whether the appraisal phase of the Kankpul-1 exploratory well, drilled upto a depth of 2,730 metres and whether gas discovery was reported on 25th August, 2022, has been completed after expiry of the appraisal period on 19th November, 2025; (b) key outcomes of the appraisal programme, including estimated recoverable gas reserves, reservoir quality and commercial viability of the discovery; (c) whether the operator has submitted a Field Development Plan or any proposal for early monetisation or commercial production and the current status thereof; and (d) steps proposed by Government to ensure timely development and commencement of production from the Kankpul-1 discovery, if found viable? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI) (a) to (d): The appraisal period of Kankpul-1 discovery well was from 20.10.2022 to 19.10.2025. The drilling of Kankpul-1 exploratory well, upto a depth of 2,730 meter, was completed on 19.10.2025. The appraisal programme of Kankpul-1 consisted of additional testing of Kankpul-1 and drilling one appraisal well. As per the Declaration of Commerciality (DoC) of the discovery, submitted by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), total estimated recoverable volume of gas is 33.3 Million Standard Cubic Meters (MMSCM). As per the provisions of Production Sharing Contract (PSC), the operator can submit the Field Development Plan (FDP), having details of development and production, by 16.10.2026. *****