HT Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, April 16: In a major boost to its exploration footprint, Oil India Limited (OIL), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has secured all 9 blocks it bid for under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Round IX. With this win, OIL has added over 51,000 sq km to its portfolio, marking an 85% increase in its total exploration acreage — from 60,000 sq km to approximately 110,000 sq km.
Of the 9 blocks awarded, OIL will operate 6 independently and participate as a consortium partner in the remaining 3. This marks a 100% success rate for the company in this round.
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“This achievement reflects our strategic clarity, technical competence, and unwavering commitment to India’s energy future,” an OIL spokesperson said. “Securing all the blocks we bid for is a testament to our growing capabilities and alignment with national priorities.”
A significant portion — over 47,000 sq km — of the newly acquired area lies in deepwater and ultra-deepwater offshore basins, signaling OIL’s entry into more technically challenging yet high-potential terrains. This includes maiden ventures into the Cambay Basin and the state of Meghalaya, opening doors to new geological frontiers.
The expansion comes in the backdrop of enabling reforms under the Government of India’s Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP), Ease of Doing Business initiatives, and the strategic unlocking of ‘No-Go’ areas.
“OIL is not just acquiring acreage — we are charting a bold path forward,” the spokesperson added. “As India moves decisively towards energy security and self-reliance, we are proud to play a leading role in that journey.”
The development marks a new chapter for OIL as it scales operations, diversifies exploration, and reinforces its position as a key player in India’s energy landscape.
