NELP-V, expected to be announced around 23 December 2004, will see some 20 onshore, offshore and deepwater exploration blocks being put up for offer to both Indian and international firms. Closing date for all bids is May 2005.

The New Delhi show will be on 18 January. The roadshow will be in London on 20-21 January, Dubai from 24-25 January, Houston on 31 January-1 February and Calgary on 3-4 February.

The official delegation includes petroleum & natural gas minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, director general hydrocarbons VK Sibal and joint secretary (exploration) ministry of petroleum & natural gas Sunjoy Joshi.

To promote NELP-V, the Indian government has announced a web portal which will include the relevant data, ranging from status of exploration and available seismic data to roadshow venues and contractual terms, from 23 December. The portal will be at www.indigopool.com, www.dghindia.org and www.petroleum.nic.in

Data rooms will also be opened at New Delhi, London and Houston to provide interested parties with the relevant technical data of the blocks on offer. This data will be provided for only six days, with the first three days being offered free of charge.

To register for the roadshow, telephone +44 20 7089 4196 or email Fpearson@thecwcgroup.com