The government has extended the bid submission deadline for the OALP-X oil and gas block auction for the third time, now set for 18 February, 2026.

The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) announced the extension, which gives potential investors six more weeks to submit bids. The auction, launched in February 2025 during India Energy Week, offers 25 blocks covering around 191,986 sq. km. The deadline was extended in late July to October 31 and then again to 31 December, 2025. These blocks include onshore, shallow-water, deepwater, and ultra-deepwater areas, with the Andaman basin attracting significant attention due to its potential for large oil and gas reserves. 

The round includes multiple blocks in regions such as the Andaman basin, which Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has highlighted for its potential reserves. Along with the OALP-X, the deadline for the DSF and CBM bid rounds has also been extended to February 18, 2026.