Reliance Industries Ltd has made two new gas discoveries at its D-6 block, the site of the world's largest gas find of 2002, in Bay of Bengal.

The K-1 and K-2 wells, the ninth and tenth consecutive successful wells drilled early this year in the 1.9 million acre D-6 block, struck the gas reserves.

The K-2 discovery well, located east of the Dhirubhai field, flowed gas at a constrained rate of about 30 million cubic feet per day during testing. The well, located in 992 metres of water, was drilled to a total depth of 2220 metres, Niko Resources of Canada, RIL's minority partner in the block, said.

The K-1 well also encountered gas though no flow rates were available. K-1, also located east of Dhirubhai field, was drilled in 1031 metres of water to a total depth of 2531 metres.

Niko Resources said the two fields were of similar size though RIL was still evaluating the reserve potential.

"All drilling to date has occurred in the first 1800 square km area covered by the first 3D seismic programme. An additional 2500 square km of 3D seismic is currently being shot," Niko said.

Reliance Industries is the operator of D-6 block with 90 per cent stake while Niko Resources has remaining 10 per cent.

During 2003, RIL drilled eight wells in the block it won in the first round of international bidding, with seven discovering significant quantities of gas.