The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons has pushed back the deadline for deepwater and ultra-deepwater bids under the 10th and 11th OALP rounds to November 15, aiming to attract more global investment.
- Bidding deadline for deepwater and ultra-deepwater blocks extended to November 15.
- Extension applies to both the 10th and 11th rounds of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP).
- Onland and shallow-water bidding processes have already concluded.
The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) has officially announced a significant extension for the submission of bids regarding deepwater and ultra-deepwater blocks. The new deadline, set for November 15, provides prospective investors and energy giants nearly two additional months to finalize their technical and financial proposals. This move replaces the previous cutoff date of September 17.
The bidding process is split across two distinct phases of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). The 10th round, which was initially launched in April of last year, offers a total of 13 blocks, consisting of one deepwater and 12 ultra-deepwater areas. Meanwhile, the 11th round, opened in March of this year, features five blocks, including one deepwater and four ultra-deepwater segments.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the repeated extensions—the sixth for the 10th round and the second for the 11th—indicate a strategic effort by the Indian government to lure high-capital global players. Deepwater exploration requires immense technological sophistication and financial risk; by extending the window, the DGH is likely attempting to bridge the gap between current market hesitation and the high potential of India's untapped offshore reserves.
The extension reflects the inherent complexity of ultra-deepwater exploration, where the risk-reward ratio requires exhaustive geological due diligence before a commitment is made.
Historically, the OALP was designed to move away from the rigid licensing regimes of the past, allowing companies to choose blocks and propose their own work programs. This flexibility is intended to accelerate the discovery of domestic hydrocarbon reserves and reduce India's heavy reliance on energy imports.
| OALP Round | Launch Date | Total Blocks | Deepwater | Ultra-Deepwater |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Round | April 2025 | 13 | 1 | 12 |
| 11th Round | March 2026 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are onland blocks still open for bidding?
No, bidding for onland and shallow-water blocks under both the 10th and 11th rounds has already closed.
Q2: How many total deepwater blocks are available across both rounds?
There are a total of 18 blocks available: 13 from the 10th round and 5 from the 11th round.
