State-owned enterprises from China and Turkey have secured the majority of Bangladesh’s bid documents for its 2026 offshore exploration round, with Sinopec, CNOOC International, and Turkey’s TPAO acquiring the official promotional materials.
The government has allocated 26 hydrocarbon blocks in the Bay of Bengal for exploration, requiring bids by 30 November 2026. While 10 firms obtained informational packages, only three purchased full bid documents, according to Petrobangla records.
Petrobangla continues outreach efforts to major players like ExxonMobil, BP, Eni, and others to encourage participation.
Offshore Bidding Round Details
Bangladesh reopened its offshore bidding process on 24 May, offering 26 exploration blocks—11 in shallow waters and 15 in deepwater zones—targeting global energy firms.
Sinopec acquired an informational package, bid documents, and a specialized data package on 23 September to analyze geological formations and potential reserves more thoroughly.
CNOOC International obtained the promotional package on 17 August, while TPAO purchased bid documents on 23 July.
Potential Participants
Among the leading candidates are deepwater specialists Petrobras, Murphy Oil, and KUFPEC, all with extensive offshore experience.
Shoyeb said, “We expect that some energy giants will buy bids in the coming days. Discussions are going on with ExxonMobil, BP and several others.”
Growing Global Interest
A government delegation met representatives from ExxonMobil, BP, and Eni on 30 September to discuss involvement in the bidding round.
ExxonMobil previously acquired a data package during the interim government’s initial round and has reiterated its interest in this latest process.
Officials plan further talks with ExxonMobil and other US-based energy companies, with an upcoming visit to the US by Energy Division representatives to strengthen engagement.
New Companies Secure Packages and Hold Meetings
Beringia Power Bangladesh Ltd, KrisEnergy, PEAL Engineering & Construction Ltd and ONODA INC have purchased offshore bidding packages. Rystad Energy bought an information package and Max Infrastructure Ltd also joined the purchasers. These acquisitions reflect growing interest from regional and international firms.
ExxonMobil contacted Petrobangla soon after the round opened and held an online meeting with the state-owned company. Asia-Pacific executives attended the discussion. BP expressed interest and conducted an online meeting with Petrobangla officials in July.
Deepwater Expertise Among Bidders
Murphy Oil Corporation manages over 100 deepwater blocks in the Gulf of Mexico and holds offshore exploration interests in Brazil, Vietnam, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Petrobras, a leading deepwater operator, operates 14 major production-sharing fields in Brazil and recently signed agreements for eight additional deepwater blocks in Côte d’Ivoire.
KUFPEC holds stakes in offshore projects across Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the South China Sea, with a $1.54 billion investment in gas exploration and infrastructure, targeting production by 2028.
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