(a) whether British Gas (BG) was shortlisted to develop three deep water exploration blocks
in Krishna-Godavari Basin jointly with ONGC;
(b) if so. the complete details in this regard;
(c) whether the Government has decided to re-offer these blocks under the next New
Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) round denying BG the opportunity to develop these blocks
with ONGC; and
(d) if so, the reasons therefor ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS(SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a) to (d) : The Government has not approved the proposal of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Limited (ONGC) for alliance with British Gas Exploration & Production India Limited (BGEPIL)
for exploration and development of three deep water blocks in the Krishna Godavari basin. The
farm-in strategic alliance proposal in respect of BGEPIL was not adequately responsive in
comparison to terms being offered during the open bidding process under New Exploration
Licensing Policy (NELP). Therefore. Government decided that it would not be appropriate to
accept the proposal at such a stage-when our NELP process has achieved good credibility and
support worldwide based on a transparent open bid system and speedy decision making process.
The above blocks could be offered in the upcoming rounds of NELP as and when their exploration
tenures come to an end. The Government has consistently been following a fully transparent
and open methodology for awarding exploration blocks under NELP, and this has enhanced the
image of Government among global investors.