Eight out of ten perimeters have been awarded Wednesday after the 5th exploration bid during a ceremony attended by Algeria's Energy and Mining Minister, Chakib Khelil.
All in all, 19 bids were made by 14 international petroleum companies, including 3 consortiums. Stiff competition concerned mainly Hassi Mouina, with 7 bids, but at the end it went to Statoil.
The second most attractive perimeter was that of Gassi Chergui West (Berkine), with three bids and it was won by Repsol-Gas Natural consortium.
As for the other perimeters, Ksar Hirane went to BHP-Wood Side consortium, El Mezaid to CNPC (China), El Hadjira and Guerara to SINOPEC, Aghreb to Amerada Hess, while Isarene was awarded to Petroceltic. The perimeters failing to receive any bid were Melrhir and Agreb south-west.
Commenting on the process, Khelil described the results as "excellent," adding it was the best ever outcome since the launch of the bid process. (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
