India Announces 21 Oil, Gas Blocks Under Open Acreage Licensing Policy-11th Bidding Round

India has accelerated its hydrocarbon exploration push by formally initiating the 11th round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP-XI), offering 21 oil and natural gas blocks across diverse terrains, even as delays persist in the previous bidding round.

According to the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), the blocks—comprising 12 onland areas, four shallow-water tracts, one deepwater block and four ultra-deepwater zones span about 80,235 square kilometres. The bid submissions have opened on March 30, 2026, and will close on May 29, 2026, marking a firm timeline for investors.

The launch of OALP-XI comes even as the previous OALP-X round—India’s largest ever continues to face repeated extensions , reflecting cautious investor sentiment and evolving global energy dynamics.

Under the new framework, 14 blocks in Category-I basins will be awarded based on the highest revenue share and committed work programme. For Category-II and III basins, allocation will depend on exploration commitments such as seismic surveys and drilling activity .

The government’s strategy aims to attract both major and smaller players by offering differentiated incentives across basin types. This move is expected to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imports .

India’s energy demand continues to rise, necessitating aggressive upstream investment despite the global shift towards renewable energy sources. The policy also provides greater freedom in pricing and marketing, improving overall viability for companies.

Earlier rounds saw participation from firms like Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Ltd and Vedanta Ltd, though competition remained limited.

The simultaneous rollout of OALP-X and OALP-XI highlights the government’s focus on expanding acreage and unlocking untapped resources . The success of the round will depend on policy clarity , market conditions, and sustained industry confidence .