Decision on NELP-VI bids on Jan 15

The Empowered Committee of Secretaries (ECS) is likely to decide next week on the winners of the oil and gas blocks offered in NELP-VI, the award of which has been held up due to "erratic financial bids" in 19 out of the 52 blocks.

The committee, comprising top officials from petroleum, law and finance ministries, might meet as early as January 15 to award the blocks offered under the sixth round of New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP), officials said.