Big Oil Firms Banned from Teaming Up on Ocean Leases
Published Date: 4/27/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting May 1 through October 31, 2026, certain big oil and gas companies can’t team up to bid on Outer Continental Shelf leases. This rule keeps the playing field fair by restricting joint bids among specific groups of companies. If you’re in the energy biz, watch your partnerships and bidding plans closely—this could impact who wins and how much money flows in this season.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Restricted joint bidding by major oil firms
BOEM published a list of company groups (Groups I–VII) that are not allowed to bid together at Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas lease sales during the bidding period of May 1, 2026, through October 31, 2026. Each entity in one listed group is restricted from bidding with any entity in any other listed group during that period.
1.6M-barrel production disqualification
BOEM may disqualify and reject joint or single bids 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. This qualification can apply even if the entity is not listed in Groups I–VII (see 30 CFR 556.512).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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