Government Extended OALP-X, OALP-XI Offshore Bidding Deadline to November 15, 2026

The due date for bidding on OALP-X and OALP-XI deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil and gas blocks has been further prolonged. As per news reports, the new deadline has been pushed back to November 15, 2026, two months later than the previous September 17 cut-off. 

The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons gave no reasons for the extension in deadline. Industry sources have flagged the recently approved Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme, whose implementation rules are yet to be notified. 

New Deadline Applies to Offshore Blocks 

The latest change concerns the deepwater and ultra-deepwater acreage that remained open after the onshore and shallow-water bidding closed on June 19, 2026. 

For companies evaluating these blocks, the additional time comes while the government is working on the framework for its new offshore exploration support scheme. 

Samudra Manthan Offers Drilling Cost Support 

The ₹84,084 crore Samudra Manthan scheme is intended to unlock India's offshore hydrocarbon potential, with the government targeting more than 600 million tonnes of additional oil-equivalent reserves. 

One of its key provisions is government support for drilling costs. Up to 50% of the drilling cost for deep-sea and ultra-deep-sea wells will be covered under the scheme. The Cabinet approved it at the end of July, but the implementation rules have not yet been announced. 

OALP-X Put Large Offshore Acreage on Offer 

OALP-X was introduced in February 2025 with 25 blocks spanning an area of approximately 1,82,589 sq km over a period of time among 13 sedimentary basins. The bid round comprised of six onshore, six shallow-water, one deepwater and 12 ultra-deepwater blocks. 

Of these, 19 blocks belonged to the offshore category, and of which nearly 1,24,327 sq km were deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas. The deadline has already been extended three times, with November 15 now the new cut-off point. 

OALP-XI Added Another Offshore Offering 

The government launched OALP-XI in March 2026, offering 21 blocks covering 80,234.49 sq km across 11 sedimentary basins. 

The round has one deepwater and four ultra-deepwater blocks. Nine blocks are offshore, covering around 45,296 sq km, and these are also covered by the November 15 deadline. 

Offshore Exploration Remains Capital Intensive 

Deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration requires considerable upfront investment, specialised technology, and longer exploration periods. That makes these blocks a different proposition from the onshore and shallow-water acreage already closed for bidding. 

The government has been trying to improve the investment environment through measures such as simplified licensing, revenue-sharing terms, marketing and pricing freedom, and wider access to geological and geophysical data. 

Import Dependence Adds to the Push 

The OALP programme forms part of India's broader effort to increase domestic exploration and production. This remains relevant for the country's energy requirements, with India importing more than 88% of its crude oil and around half of its natural gas needs. 

The November extension therefore gives potential bidders more time to study the offshore opportunities, while the government continues putting the wider exploration framework in place. 

Read More: AXISCADES Share Price in Focus; Completes Acquisition of 90% Stake in Cloud Wave Technologies for ₹234 Crore! 

Conclusion 

The November 15 deadline gives companies additional time to evaluate the remaining deepwater and ultra-deepwater blocks under OALP-X and XI. The extension also comes at a time when the industry is waiting for the detailed rules of the Samudra Manthan scheme. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.  

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.