India to Bid Out 2,50,000 Sq Km of O&G Exploration

India will open 2,50,000 sq km for oil, gas exploration, says Hardeep Singh Puri. Move aims to boost energy security, reduce import dependence.

India is preparing to significantly expand domestic oil and gas exploration by opening around 2,50,000 square kilometres of unexplored areas for bidding, said Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The move is part of the government’s strategy to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported crude oil and tap untapped hydrocarbon reserves.

The announcement comes as India looks to safeguard its energy supplies following recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which disrupted global oil flows and exposed the vulnerabilities of import-dependent economies.

Puri said the government is in the process of offering nearly 2,50,000 square kilometres (96,500 square miles) of unexplored acreage for oil and gas exploration.

The minister said the recent global energy disruption has reinforced the need to accelerate domestic exploration and production so that India is better prepared for future supply shocks.