(a) The annual rental per acre or fraction thereof on any lease issued or readjusted after the promulgation of this subpart shall not be less than $3. The amount of the rental will be specified in the lease.

(b) Until a lease issued before August 4, 1976, is readjusted, the rental paid for any year shall be credited against the royalties for that year.

(c) On leases issued or readjusted after August 4, 1976, rental payments shall not be credited against royalties.

(d) Rentals paid for any lease year commencing prior to the effective date of the first lease readjustment occurring after August 4, 1976, shall be credited against royalties for that year. Rentals due and payable for any lease year commencing on or after the effective date of the readjustment shall not be credited against royalties.