oil and gas exploration licensing: Government extends deadline for eighth oil and gas exploration licensing round amidst investor demands

The government has once again extended the deadline for accepting bids in the eighth oil and gas exploration licensing round, to May 16, the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) said on its website.

The eighth round under the open acreage licensing policy (OALP) was launched on July 7 last year, with a bid submission deadline of September 6. Since then, the deadline has been extended several times. The last deadline was March 30. The DGH hasn’t given any reason for the extension but the oil ministry officials say the investors are demanding an extension.

In the eighth round, ten oil and gas blocks have been offered. In the first seven rounds, 134 blocks have been awarded.