Big Oil Banned from Teaming Up on Ocean Lease Bids
Published Date: 4/27/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting May 1 through October 31, 2026, certain big oil companies can’t team up to bid on Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leases. This new rule splits companies into groups and stops them from joining forces across groups, keeping the bidding fair and competitive. If a company produces a lot already, it might also get blocked from bidding, shaking up who gets a shot at these valuable leases.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Major Oil Companies Split into Groups
Each entity listed in Groups I through VII (for example: BP, Chevron, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies) is not allowed to bid with any entity in a different group at Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas lease sales during the bidding period of May 1, 2026, through October 31, 2026. The rule prevents cross-group teaming so listed companies must bid without partners from other groups during that period.
Production Threshold Can Bar Bidders
BOEM may disqualify or reject a joint or single bid from any entity that is chargeable for the prior production period with an average daily production in excess of 1.6 million barrels of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (per 30 CFR 556.512). This production-based bar can prevent high-producing entities from participating in these lease sales.
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