The CCEA is likely to award at least 33 out of the 36 oil and gas blocks under NELP VIII. It is likely to take up the matter for consideration during its meeting on 19 March 2010.

Of the 70 blocks offered in NELP VIII, only 36 attracted bids with ONGC and partners bidding for a maximum of 25. In all, ONGC won 14 blocks as operator and three as non-operator.

Of the 24 deep water blocks, only eight received bids, all of which were single bids. ONGC and partners bagged seven, while Cairn Energy, UK won the other block.

Of the 28 shallow water blocks on offer, 13 received bids. BHP Billiton Petroleum won three, while ONGC got five of these as lead partner and one where Oil India was the operator. Cairn Energy got a KG basin offshore block.

Of the 18 on-land blocks on offer, bids were received for 15, four of which went to ONGC. Other winners include Jubilant Oil & Gas, Oil India, NTPC and Esveegee Steel. ONGC won seven deep-sea blocks - five as the sole operator, one as a joint operator with Oil India and one with the BG Group, UK, as the operator.