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 1,82,589.21 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 1,82,589.21 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 1,65,718 sq.km. 13 blocks covering an area of 1,24,327 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 of OALP-X launched under HELP:
  • Revenue Sharing Model,
  • Reduced Royalty Rates,
  • No Oil Cess,
  • Single Licence: For all hydrocarbon (Conventional and Unconventional)
  • Marketing and Pricing freedom,
  • Early monetization incentives
  • Exploration rights on all retained area for full contract life,
  • Concessional Royalty Rates in case of early commercial production,
  • Category–II and III Basins:
    • Bidding only on the basis of 2D and 3D Seismic API
    • No revenue share, except in case of windfall gain
  • Provision for swapping of CWP with other surveys.
  • Stability, exit and dispute-resolution safeguards
  • Infrastructure sharing and excess capacity utilization.

Bid Round Launch Date (Block information Uploaded): 11 February 2025

Bid Submission Start Date: 29 December 2025(1100 HRS IST)New

Bid Submission Closing Date: 18 February 2026 (1200 HRS IST)New

Note: New e-bidding portal is open for Bidder Registration, kindly register.