Italian major’s Geliga-1 strike could nearly triple its Indonesian gas output by 2028.
A massive deep-water gas discovery in Indonesia’s Ganal block is set to reshape Eni’s Indonesian portfolio and strengthen the country’s long-term role in regional energy supply.
Record-Scale Gas And Condensate Discovery
Italian oil and gas group Eni announced a major gas discovery in the offshore Ganal block of Indonesia on April 20. Preliminary estimates point to about five trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas and 300 million barrels of condensate in place. The find was made by the Geliga-1 exploration well, drilled to roughly 5,100 metres in a water depth of about 2,000 metres. This ranks among the larger recent deep-water gas discoveries in Southeast Asia and significantly expands Eni’s Indonesian resource base.
Synergies With Nearby Gula Gas Field
Eni said the new discovery lies adjacent to its earlier Gula gas discovery, which is estimated to hold around 2 Tcf of gas. The proximity of Geliga and Gula to existing and planned infrastructure opens options for accelerated, more cost-efficient development. The company is conducting further analyses to assess how best to link the fields, optimise time-to-market, and share facilities to reduce overall project costs, potentially supporting future LNG or pipeline exports.
Government Push For Faster Development
Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said he has formed a special team to speed up development of the new Ganal block projects. The government is targeting first production in 2028, positioning the discovery as a key contributor to national gas output and export potential. Lahadalia said the Geliga find could help lift Eni’s Indonesian gas production to about 2,000 million standard cubic feet per day by 2028, up from roughly 700 million standard cubic feet per day today.
Strategic Boost To Eni’s Indonesian Portfolio
Eni has operated in Indonesia since 2001 and holds a diversified upstream portfolio that spans exploration, development and production. The Ganal block success consolidates its position as a core gas player in the country, at a time when global demand for gas as a transition fuel remains strong. By integrating Geliga and Gula into a broader hub strategy, Eni can leverage economies of scale and strengthen long-term ties with Indonesia’s energy sector and state institutions.
Regional Energy And Market Implications
If developed on schedule, the Ganal discoveries could enhance Indonesia’s role as a reliable gas supplier to Asian markets, including power, industrial and LNG buyers. Increased deep-water gas output may support domestic energy security while generating additional export revenue. For Indonesians and Singaporeans, the project underscores how frontier offshore exploration can underpin regional energy stability, influence gas pricing dynamics, and attract further investment into advanced offshore technology, services and supporting infrastructure across the archipelago.
Eni’s major gas discovery in Indonesia’s Ganal block marks a significant step for both the company and Jakarta’s ambitions to revitalise national gas production. The planned acceleration towards a 2028 start-up, coupled with synergies around the nearby Gula field, could help Indonesia secure more reliable energy supplies and expand export capacity, reinforcing Southeast Asia’s position in the global gas landscape and deepening cross-border energy ties with markets such as Singapore.
Sources: Reuters (2026) , Asia One (2026)
Keywords: Geliga 1 Well, Ganal Offshore Block, Five Tcf Gas, Condensate Reserves Indonesia, Bahlil Lahadalia Statement, 2028 Gas Production Target
