Around 8,000 sq km or two-third of Cairn India?s prolific Rajasthan (Barmer) block, which has been relinquished, is likely to be auctioned in Nelp 10 expected to kick off later this financial year, reports fe Bureau in New Delhi. Cairn?s Barmer acreage is among the 86 blocks currently seeking various clearances (environmental, defence etc) before they are auctioned. The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons has also proposed to the oil ministry that 81% of Reliance Industries? acreage in the KG-D6 basin which it has been asked to relinquish be auctioned in NELP 10 as well, though it is unclear whether the approval will come in time for the auctions.
The oil ministry is expected to announce the final dates for NELP 10 auctions during the Petrotech 2014 international oil and gas conference to be held in January. Cairn has previously requested the DGH that the surrendered fields be returned to it, citing potential reserves.
