It seems to me that bidding rounds are becoming a hobby rather than requirement. Exploration does not require bidding cycles. All it needs is hiring a seismic contractor and a drilling contractor. In fact, I do not see why these fuctions cannot be handled directly by the Ministry of Oil, through the departments of Exploration and Drilling.
Pre-2010, we complained about the inaction of the Ministry of Oil. Now, we complain about its over action, and I do not know which is worse.