OALP Bid Round-X

In continuation of accelerated E&P activities and adhering to the prescribed timelines, the Government announces the OALP Bid Round-X. This is the largest bid round so far in terms of acreage offered in a single OALP bid round under the HELP regime. The Government has combined the areas received during Expressions of Interest (EoI) cycles XVI & XVII. In this bid round 25 blocks, with an area of approximately 1,91,986.21 sq. km. are on offer to the investor community.

The features of the OALP Bid Round–X are outlined as follows:

• 25 Blocks spread over thirteen (13) Sedimentary Basins, covering an area of 1,91,986.21 sq. km.
• Out of 25 Blocks, 6 Blocks are in Onland, 6 Blocks are in Shallow Water, 1 in Deep Water and 12 Blocks are in Ultra Deep-Water areas
• Spread over Category-I (9 Blocks), Category-II (11 Blocks) and Category-III (5 Blocks) Basins
• This bid round is primarily an offshore bid round with 19 offshore blocks covering an area of 1,75,115 sq.km. 13 blocks covering an area of 1,33,724 sq.km fall in deep water and ultradeep water.
• Further, for OALP round X, a new e-bidding portal is available for transparent and secure bidding with additional ease of doing business features.
• Each offered Block is technically analyzed by International Experts for Hydrocarbon Potential and is freely available for Investors.
• The salient features of the HELP regime are:
  • Reduced Royalty Rates,
  • No Oil Cess,
  • Uniform licensing system,
  • Marketing and Pricing freedom,
  • Revenue Sharing Model,
  • Exploration rights on all retained area for full contract life,
  • Concessional Royalty Rates in case of early commercial production,
  • No Revenue Share based bidding in Blocks falling in Category–II and III Basins except in case of Wind fall gain etc.
  • Extended and phased exploration, bidding only 2D and 3D seismic and swapping of CWP with other surveys are key additional features for blocks falling in category II & III basins.
  • Originator Incentive Increased to 10 marks for Category-II & Category-III Basins

Bid Round Launch Date: 11 February 2025

Bid Submission Closing Date: 31st July 2025 (1200 hrs IST)

Note: User registration at the new e-bidding portal will start soon.