India has launched the 11th round of its Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), marking another step in expanding domestic oil and gas exploration. The latest round offers 21 blocks spanning approximately 80,228 sq km across different geological basins.
The move comes as India continues efforts to reduce import dependence and strengthen energy security. The announcement also coincides with the ongoing bidding process for the previous OALP-10 round.
The new round includes a mix of onland and offshore exploration areas. The distribution of blocks is as follows:
The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons has released detailed block data and bidding parameters. Bid submission timelines are expected to be announced shortly. The offering reflects continued diversification across basin types to attract varied exploration interest.
The launch of OALP XI comes while OALP-10 remains open for bidding until May 29, 2026. OALP-10 had offered around 25 blocks covering approximately 182,589 sq km, making it one of the largest rounds.
Combined, OALP-10 and OALP-11 unlock about 262,817 sq km for exploration. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri described the rollout as a new phase in India’s energy development strategy.
The allocation mechanism varies depending on basin classification under the OALP framework. For Category-I basins, which have established commercial production, blocks will be awarded based on the highest revenue share offered.
In Category-II and Category-III basins, the focus shifts to committed work programmes. These include seismic surveys, drilling commitments, and other exploration activities aimed at unlocking hydrocarbon potential.
The OALP regime operates under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy introduced in 2016. It allows companies to identify and propose exploration blocks instead of relying on pre-defined areas.
The policy offers incentives such as reduced royalty rates, marketing and pricing freedom, and exemption from oil cess. These measures are aimed at attracting investment and boosting domestic hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Read More: ONGC Plans $20 Billion Deepwater Expansion to Boost Domestic Energy Output.
The launch of OALP XI expands India’s exploration footprint across multiple basin types. The combined acreage offered under OALP-10 and OALP-11 reflects a continued push to boost domestic hydrocarbon exploration.
The policy framework and incentives aim to encourage participation from both domestic and global players. The development underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s energy security and reduce reliance on imports.
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.
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Published on: Mar 30, 2026, 5:21 PM IST
Akshay Shivalkar
Akshay Shivalkar is a financial content specialist who strategises and creates SEO-optimised content on the stock market, mutual funds, and other investment products. With experience in fintech and mutual funds, he simplifies complex financial concepts to help investors make informed decisions through his writing.
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