Refiner Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS) also is looking to work in Guyana in collaboration with ONGC Videsh, two people close to the talks told Reuters. Guyana is offering three deepwater and 11 shallow-water blocks, each averaging 2,000 square kilometers (722 sq miles). Exxon is considering bids on the blocks, said the company's Guyana country chief, Alistair Routledge. To bring more companies into the auction, Guyana did not restrict the amount of blocks companies can bid for, but will limit the awards to three per company. Last year, Exxon, Hess Corp (HES.N) and China's CNOOC (0883.HK) ramped up oil output and exports with their second production vessel.

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