Oil & Natural Gas Corporation has achieved significant progress in its blowout control operations at Well Mori-5 in Andhra Pradesh, with the Crisis Management Team reporting substantial improvements in the situation. The company continues focused blowout control efforts at the facility, which is operated by PEC contractor Deep Industries.

Incident Background and Timeline

The oil PSU had reported a gas leak during work-over operations at its Mori field facility in Andhra Pradesh. The incident was flagged by operator Deep Industries, with the company confirming there were no casualties or injuries reported. The affected well is located in a remote area with no human habitation within a radius of around 500-600 metres.

Operational Progress and Current Status

The blowout control operations have shown marked improvement across multiple parameters. Fire intensity, noise levels, and ambient heat in the vicinity of the well have reduced significantly, indicating effective progress in managing the situation according to the approved blowout control plan.

Infrastructure and Logistics Development

ONGC has completed construction of an approach road from the rear end of the wellsite to facilitate debris clearance operations. The required logistics have been mobilised for systematic debris removal, enabling continued progress toward wellhead capping operations.

A water blanket has been established at the wellsite to support ongoing debris removal in the vicinity of the wellhead. This infrastructure development is crucial for enabling subsequent operations for capping the wellhead, as outlined in the approved action plan.

Community Impact and Safety Measures

In recognition of the steady progress achieved and the remote likelihood of escalation, the district administration has advised residents in surrounding areas to resume their normal activities. This development reflects the significant improvement in the operational situation and reduced risk to the local community.

The company maintains that safety of the community and protection of the environment remain ONGC's highest priorities. All actions continue to be carried out in strict compliance with regulatory requirements and established industry best practices.

Market Performance

Shares of ONGC closed at ₹239.20, down ₹2.69, or 1.11%. The company had mobilised its crisis management team and regional crisis management team to oversee containment and response efforts at the Andhra Pradesh facility.

Oil & Natural Gas Corporation has taken operational control of Well Mori-5 at Irusumanda Village, Malkipuram Mandal in Andhra Pradesh, following a gas leak reported during workover operations on January 5. The company's senior management, including Director (Technology & Field Services) Vikram Saxena, along with Crisis Management Team experts, are now managing the situation with comprehensive safety and environmental protocols.

Gas Leak Incident and Response

The gas leak was initially flagged by operator Deep Industries during workover operations at ONGC's Mori field facility. The company confirmed there were no casualties or injuries from the incident, with the well located in a remote area having no human habitation within a 500-600 metre radius.

Operational Control and Safety Measures

The company has implemented a systematic approach to manage the well incident, with key operational milestones being achieved in the response efforts:

Infrastructure Deployment

Excavation work has been completed for creating a temporary canal from a nearby irrigation source to facilitate deployment of high-capacity firewater pumps. Fire pumps have reached the wellsite, with placement activities currently in progress. The crisis management team has successfully changed the flame direction to vertical and is witnessing a gradual reduction in both flame intensity and size.

Environmental Monitoring Protocol

ONGC has established comprehensive environmental monitoring within a 600-metre radius of the incident site to minimize environmental impact:

Market Performance and Stakeholder Coordination

Shares of ONGC ended higher by 1.55% at ₹241.79 on January 6, following the incident management updates. The company maintains continuous coordination with all relevant stakeholders including district and police administrations, local authorities, and media representatives to ensure transparency and effective incident response. All operations are being conducted with the highest standards of safety and environmental care, reflecting ONGC's commitment to responsible operational management during crisis situations.