Bids for new oil blocks by April

The Government would invite bids for over two dozen oil and gas blocks under the fourth round of new exploration licensing policy (NELP) in ...

The Government would invite bids for over two dozen oil and gas blocks under the fourth round of new exploration licensing policy (NELP) in March-April next year, petroleum minister Ram Naik said.

Talkig to reporters in a press conference, Naik said “we have awarded 47 oil and gas blocks under the first two rounds of new exploration licensing policy and another 23 blocks, bids for which have already been received, would be awarded in a month’s time.”

Decision on BPCL,
HPCL by Dec: Naik

New Delhi: The Cabinet will decide on the issue of disinvestment of oil PSUs BPCL and HPCL by December, Petroleum Minister Ram Naik said. Reacting to a question on the issue, Ram Naik said that “Prime Minister had announced that decision would be taken within three months. There is still one and half month left, I am sure the Cabinet would arrive at an unanimous conclusion within the period.” ENS

Story continues below this ad

Naik said government would also come out with the second round of bidding for the coal bed methane (CBM) blocks early next fiscal.

Under the first round of coal bed methane, government signed contracts for six coal bed methane blocks in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh and contracts for two more blocks are expected to be signed soon.

“This (new exploration licensing policy bidding for oil and gas and coal bed methane blocks) is part of a multi-pronged strategy to enhance the oil and gas security of the country,” Naik said.

'Remain in US, avoid travel': Microsoft, JP Morgan, Amazon advise visa holders to return before Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee deadline

‘Stay in US, avoid travel’: Firms advise H-1B visa holders to return before fee deadline

World34 min ago

Microsoft and JP Morgan have warned their employees on H-1B and H-4 visas to return to the US before September 21 due to President Trump's new visa fee rules. Amazon has also advised against international travel. The policy includes a $100,000 annual surcharge on H-1B visas and has caused market fluctuations. It will be in effect for at least 12 months.

View all shorts

Live Blog