Egypt Extends Tender for Mediterranean Gas Blocks by Two Months

Egypt has extended its tender for natural gas exploration in the Mediterranean Sea by two months with the addition of four new blocks, Reuters reported citing a statement by EGAS.

Bidding now runs till July 30 and will include 12 offshore concessions. 

The four additional blocks are Northeast Habi Marine, North Farma Marine, North Tabiya Marine and Northeast Amiriya Marine, EGAS said. The original eight blocks are West Arish Marine, East Port Said Marine, North Rumana Marine, North Ras al-Ash Marine, West al-Timsah Marine, South Taneen Marine, North Hammad Marine and East Alexandria Marine. The twelve blocks together cover a total of 20,548 sq kms (7,934 sq miles).

EGAS did not give any reason for the tender extension, but lack of interest or biders’ request for more time could be the likely reason, Reuters said.