Licensing round October update
The industry's most comprehensive list of current and recent rounds for onshore and offshore licences
Open rounds Australia’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy & Resources opened the 2020 Offshore Petroleum Acreage Release at an online event on 26 August. Keith Pitt, minister for resources, water & Northern Australia, announced a total of 42 areas available for offshore oil and gas exploration: 28 off Western Australia, five off the Northern Territory, three off Victoria and six off the Ashmore & Cartier Islands. The total area covers approximately 100,000km² across five basins. In his address, Pitt confirmed a more conservative approach: “This year’s acreage release is dominated by areas in established oil and gas areas with existing infrastructure.” The bidding will be op
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub






