RIL might close its $7.2 billion worth BP deal this month

22 Aug 2011 Evaluate

Reliance Industries (RIL) is expected to close its $7.2 billion deal to sell stake sale in 21 oil and gas blocks to UK's BP plc in the next 7-10 days. The deal, which might increase in value to $20 billion on the basis of future performance payments and investment, will give RIL access to BP's expertise in deepwater drilling and accelerate development and production from its fields, particularly the under-performing KG-D6 block.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had on July 22 cleared the sale of stake by RIL to BP in 21 blocks, including producing block KG-D6 and discovery area NEC-25, however, a formal communication was sent to RIL/BP only on August 8. Meanwhile, the closing documents are likely to be signed before month-end.

BP had in June quarter paid first installment of $2 billion and is expected to make payments of next tranche at the close of deal. The complete $7.2 billion amount was originally envisaged to be paid in three installments.

25-30 experts from BP are expected to begin jointly working with RIL next month on its assets particularly the showpiece eastern offshore KG-D6 block, where production has fallen from 61 million standard cubic meters per day to about 46 mmscmd instead of rising to the planned nearly 70 mmscmd. While RIL will continue its role as an operator of the blocks, BP will focus on enhancing subsurface understanding. An overarching technical committee will be set up that will ensure the blocks are explored in the right way and developed to the highest standards.

RIL has already submitted amendments to the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) that needs to be done to induct BP as 30 per cent partner, to the oil regulator DGH and the petroleum ministry. Once they are approved by them, the amended PSCs may be signed in 4-6 weeks time. BP is expected to furnish a bank guarantee and performance guarantee before signing the PSC.

RIL, in February, had agreed to sell a 30 percent stake in 23 out of its 29 oil and gas blocks to London-based BP. It may get an additional $1.8 billion if the two explorers find more hydrocarbons. But the government has approved stake transfer only in 21 blocks. Approval for two inconsequential blocks -- one a deep sea area off the Orissa coast and the other an onland block in Assam -- was held back over technical issues.

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