(a) the details of ongoing excavation projects to find out new crude oil block in the country, State/UT-wise;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any private companies had been given licenses for excavation; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
(SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)
(a) to (d) Currently all new oil and gas exploration blocks are awarded under Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP). In the first three bidding rounds of HELP, 87 blocks/contract areas covering about 1,20,000 sq.km. have been awarded. After the culmination of first round of HELP, one private company has been granted Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) in 8 offshore blocks/contract areas by Central Government and in 8 onland blocks/contract areas by State Government of Rajasthan.
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