India’s latest coal bed methane licensing round failed to spark much competition, with seven of 13 blocks receiving no bids and four landing just a single bidder. Even a Special CBM Bid Round 2026 with more liberal terms attracted only three companies, leaving just two blocks to face competitive bidding.
Reliance Industries and the Essar Group have emerged as top contenders in the coal-bed methane bidding round, after the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons offered 16 exploration blocks in two phases. Oil India has stayed in the process, while ONGC has withdrawn, narrowing the field just as interest from major energy players rises.
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