Guwahati, April 16: Oil India Limited (OIL), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has achieved a breakthrough by securing 9 exploration blocks in the latest round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP Round IX).
With this win, OIL has expanded its total exploration footprint by more than 85%, growing from 60,000 square kilometres to 110,000 square kilometres. OIL’s clean sweep — winning all 9 blocks it bid for — includes 6 as sole operator and 3 in consortium, reflecting a 100% success rate.
This performance showcases the company’s sharp strategic focus, operational strength, and ability to compete at the highest levels. A standout aspect of this acquisition is the significant addition of deepwater and ultradeep offshore acreage — over 47,000 square kilometres — positioning OIL to explore some of the most technically challenging but resource-rich areas.
It’s a clear move into high-stakes, high-reward territories. In another first, OIL has entered the Cambay Basin and the state of Meghalaya, opening the door to fresh geological potential in underexplored regions.
These moves mark a shift in the company’s approach—expanding not just in scale but also in the diversity of terrain and resource profiles. This strategic leap comes amid strong policy support from the Government of India through initiatives like the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP), streamlined approval processes, and the opening of previously restricted zones.
These reforms have helped companies like OIL push into new areas with more agility and confidence. OIL’s latest acquisitions aren’t just about numbers — they represent a forward-looking vision to secure India’s energy future. As the country moves towards greater energy self-reliance, OIL places itself at the centre of that journey, with bold ambition and a growing technical edge.
