diff --git a/hatchling/config/openai_settings.py b/hatchling/config/openai_settings.py
index 9f7e3ce..3243ddc 100644
--- a/hatchling/config/openai_settings.py
+++ b/hatchling/config/openai_settings.py
@@ -30,9 +30,9 @@ class OpenAISettings(BaseModel):
     )
 
     api_base: str = Field(
-        default="https://api.openai.com/v1",
+        default_factory=lambda: os.environ.get("OPENAI_API_URL", "https://api.openai.com/v1"),
         description="The base URL for OpenAI API requests.",
-        json_schema_extra={"access_level": SettingAccessLevel.READ_ONLY},
+        json_schema_extra={"access_level": SettingAccessLevel.PROTECTED},
     )
 
     timeout: int = Field(
diff --git a/hatchling/core/llm/model_manager_api.py b/hatchling/core/llm/model_manager_api.py
index d270a8d..65864f5 100644
--- a/hatchling/core/llm/model_manager_api.py
+++ b/hatchling/core/llm/model_manager_api.py
@@ -224,7 +224,7 @@ async def _list_openai_models(settings: AppSettings) -> List[ModelInfo]:
         # model listing requires different permissions and pricing
         
         try:
-            client = AsyncOpenAI(api_key=settings.openai.api_key)
+            client = AsyncOpenAI(api_key=settings.openai.api_key, base_url=settings.openai.api_base)
 
             models_response = await client.models.list()
             models = []