India has opened a fresh auction round for coal bed methane (CBM) blocks and small oil and gas fields to increase domestic energy production and lower dependence on imports. The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas declared the opening of this special Discovered Small Fields (DSF) bid round, providing a chance for both domestic and foreign investors to take part in the country's increasing unconventional hydrocarbon industry.
Key Points
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Two oil and gas fields in Mumbai offshore and one CBM field in West Bengal are being offered by the government for bidding in the current DSF bid round.
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The auction is a part of India's overall plan to increase domestic production of petroleum and natural gas, with the notice inviting offers to be issued on May 28 and bids to close on July 15.
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Operators of these small fields will enjoy complete pricing and marketing freedom and can conduct exploration during the contract period, thus making the terms appealing to private players.
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The CBM field available is situated in the Raniganj region of West Bengal, an area famous for its large coal reserves and CBM potential.
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India possesses the fifth largest known coal reserves in the world with an estimated CBM resource of approximately 92 trillion cubic feet (TCF) spread across 12 states.
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Policy interventions by the government and advancements in technology are expected to take CBM production to 5.0 million metric standard cubic meters per day (MMSCMD) by 2027-28, augmenting energy security.
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Recent bid rounds have seen a lot of interest, with new blocks being offered with committed investment and favorable terms under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
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The DSF policy, initiated in 2016, has already bid out a large number of small fields, opening up hitherto untapped resources and stimulating private sector participation.
Conclusion
India's recent auction of coal bed methane blocks and marginal oil and gas fields is a major step in its continued bid to increase domestic energy production and draw investment in the upstream sector. With liberalized policies, favorable contract terms, and emphasis on unconventional resources such as CBM, the government is placing the nation in a promising place for energy exploration and development. This step is likely to not only enhance energy security but also open up fresh opportunities for both domestic and foreign players in India's hydrocarbon sector.
Sources: Economic Times, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), Economic Times,Tribune India
