ONGC and bp sign a strategic agreement for oil exploration

ONGC and bp have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore opportunities in oil exploration, production, and trading. This three-year agreement aims to optimize mature fields and strengthen their presence in offshore bidding rounds in India.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

India’s energy sector could see a significant shift following the announcement of a strategic partnership between Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) and bp. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore cooperation opportunities in oil and gas exploration and production, as well as in energy trading.

A strategic three-year agreement

The agreement was signed in New Delhi on February 10, 2025, during India Energy Week, in the presence of India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri. The goal is to strengthen synergies between the two groups, both in the domestic market and internationally.

The collaboration will include the joint evaluation of exploration and production projects, with a particular focus on deep-water operations and the optimization of ONGC’s mature oil fields. These efforts aim to maximize the profitability of existing assets and enhance the technological expertise of both companies.

Participation in offshore bidding rounds

ONGC and bp plan to jointly bid in upcoming offshore oil block auctions organized by the Indian government under the Open Acreage Licensing Program (OALP). This initiative will allow them to access new reserves and secure additional resources for their long-term operations.

An expanded partnership in energy trading

Beyond exploration and production, the agreement includes strategic cooperation in oil and gas trading. The objective is to optimize hydrocarbon commercialization based on market dynamics. Discussions also extend to initiatives in other energy sectors, including carbon capture and storage.

The agreement signed between ONGC and bp reflects the commitment of both entities to accelerate development in strategic segments while leveraging their respective expertise.

Afreximbank leads a syndicated financing for the Dangote refinery, including $1.35 billion of its own contribution, to ease debt and stabilise operations at the Nigerian oil complex.
The Emirati logistics giant posts 40% revenue growth despite depressed maritime freight rates, driven by Navig8 integration and strategic fleet expansion.
ConocoPhillips targets $5 bn in asset disposals by 2026 and announces new financial adjustments as production rises but profit declines in the second quarter of 2025.
Pakistan Refinery Limited is preparing to import Bonny Light crude oil from Nigeria for the first time, reflecting the expansion of Asian refiners’ commercial partnerships amid rising regional costs.
Frontera Energy Corporation confirms the divestment of its interest in the Perico and Espejo oil blocks in Ecuador, signalling a strategic refocus on its operations in Colombia.
Gran Tierra Energy confirms a major asset acquisition in Ecuador’s Oriente Basin for USD15.55mn, aiming to expand its exploration and production activities across the Andean region.
The Mexican government unveils an ambitious public support strategy for Petróleos Mexicanos, targeting 1.8 million barrels per day, infrastructure modernisation, and settlement of supplier debt amounting to $12.8 billion.
KazMunayGas has completed its first delivery of 85,000 tonnes of crude oil to Hungary, using maritime transport through the Croatian port of Omisalj as part of a broader export strategy to the European Union.
Tullow marks a strategic milestone in 2025 with the sale of its subsidiaries in Gabon and Kenya, the extension of its Ghanaian licences, and the optimisation of its financial structure.
Saudi giant accelerates transformation with $500 million capex reduction and European asset closures while maintaining strategic projects in Asia.
Record Gulf crude imports expose structural vulnerabilities of Japanese refining amid rising geopolitical tensions and Asian competition.
Diamondback Energy posted a $699mn net income for the second quarter of 2025 and accelerated its share repurchase programme, supported by record production and an upward revision of its annual guidance.
Swiss group Transocean reported a net loss of $938mn for the second quarter 2025, impacted by asset impairments, while revenue rose to $988mn thanks to improved rig utilisation.
The rapid commissioning of bp’s Argos Southwest extension in the Gulf of America strengthens maintenance capabilities and optimises offshore oil production performance.
Eight OPEC+ countries boost output by 547,000 barrels per day in September, completing their increase program twelve months early as Chinese demand plateaus.
New Delhi calls US sanctions unjustified and denounces double standard as Trump threatens to substantially increase tariffs.
BP posts a net profit of $1.63 bn in the second quarter 2025, driven by operational performance, an operating cash flow of $6.3 bn and a new $750 mn share buyback programme.
The Saudi oil giant posts solid results despite falling oil prices. The company pays $21.3 billion in dividends and advances its strategic projects.
Dangote Group appoints David Bird, former Shell executive, as head of its Refining and Petrochemicals division to accelerate regional growth and open up equity to Nigerian investors.
Faced with falling discounts on Russian oil, Indian Oil Corp is purchasing large volumes from the United States, Canada and Abu Dhabi for September, shifting its usual sourcing strategy.
Consent Preferences