DHAKA — The Bangladeshi government has announced an extension of the international bidding deadline for numerous offshore oil and gas exploration blocks until December, aiming to accommodate the preparatory needs of potential international bidders.

According to Namibia Press Agency, state-owned Petrobangla (Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation) recently adjusted the timeline to submit proposals for 24 offshore blocks, which include 15 deep-water and nine shallow-water areas. Initially set for September 9, the deadline has now been moved to December 9, 2024, providing a three-month extension.

Petrobangla’s notice stated that despite the extended deadline, all other terms and conditions previously outlined remain unchanged. The decision was published on Petrobangla's official website, where the extended deadline was highlighted as part of an effort to foster greater participation from multinational corporations.

Zanendra Nath Sarker, Chairman of Petrobangla, expressed optimism that the extended timeline would encourage more multinational companies to engage in the bidding process for oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal. During a promotional seminar held on May 8 of this year, it was reported that seven international oil companies had already purchased bidding documents, signaling a keen interest in the region's potential resources.