Deep Dive: India Opens 21 New Oil & Gas Blocks

India has opened 21 oil and gas exploration blocks spanning 80,228 sq. km under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP-XI), as part of its strategy to reduce energy import dependence and boost domestic production.

Combined with the previous OALP-X round, which offered around 182,589 sq. km, the total exploration area now reaches approximately 262,817 sq. km. The newly offered blocks include a mix of onland, shallow water, deepwater, and ultra-deepwater regions across multiple sedimentary basins. Bidding for these blocks commenced on March 30 and will close on May 29, 2026.

The government aims to accelerate the bidding process and expand exploration acreage to meet the country’s growing energy demands. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that the launch of OALP-XI unlocks vast potential beneath India’s land and seas, supporting growth, resilience, and energy self-reliance.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.