Govt receives 165 bids for 52 blocks from 65 cos

New Delhi, Sep 15 (UNI) British Gas, Petronas, the French multinational Total and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) are among the 66 companies from whom the government today received 165 bids for exploration of oil and gas from 52 blocks in the country.

However, three deepwater blocks, KK-DWN-2004/2, KK-DWN-2004/3 and AN-DWN-2004/1 have not received any bid.

The government will award the blocks by November 15 and is expected to sign contracts by January 15, 2007.

Out of the 66 companies 35 are foreign companies, Additional Secretary Ministry of Petroleum Anil Razdan told reporters here.

''You will find substance after bids are evaluated,'' Mr Razdan said.

''Of the total 55 blocks offered by India, 52 blocks attracted 165 bids,'' Director general Hydrocarbons V K Sibal said.

''The response is very good. We offered the highest ever acreage in this round. India has political stability and there is transparency in our system,'' Mr Sibal said.

British Petroleum has expressed an interest in two deepwater blocks this time round.

Canada's GeoGlobal Resources is looking for five onland blocks in a tie up with Oil India Ltd. Calgary's Niko Resources Ltd has entered solo bids for three blocks.

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