The Hindu Business Line : DGH clarifies

This is with reference to "ONGC may face flak for delay" (Business Line, November 13). The article has misleading information on extension of the time frame granted to ONGC for carrying out exploration activities in two blocks.

As per the provisions of PSC (production sharing contract), an extension of only six months can be granted to the operator for completing the committed work programme. However, an additional 12 months was granted under the new extension policy.

ONGC is the operator for the blocks WB-OSN-2000/1 in Bengal offshore and MN-DWN-98/3 in Mahanadi offshore. The Government had granted extension of 18 months to ONGC in respect of Block WB-OSN-2000/1 and six months for Block MN-DWN-98/3. Further extension of six months for the block MN-DWN-98/3 is under consideration.

Therefore, the statement that "despite repeated efforts, ONGC is yet to receive approvals for extension of time frame for completion of the exploration programme in the NELP-II block WB-OSN-2000/1 in Bengal Offshore and NELP-I block MN-DWN-98/3 in Mahanadi basin" is not true.

P. K. Samanta

Adviser,

Directorate General of Hydrocarbons

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