Texan energy firm ConocoPhillips and Ireland-based Tullow Oil have been awarded offshore blocks to explore for gas in the Bay of Bengal, it has been announced.┬á  Two deep-water offshore gas blocks have been leased to Houston-based ConocoPhillips, and one shallow-water block to Tullow Oil.┬á The companies will be given a production-sharing contract as well as the rights to export the gas as liquefied natural gas, or LNG.┬á Exploration work in the disputed waters could start as early next year, with the companies predicted to spend around $160.5 million, using hydrocarbon