Exxon Mulls Oil, Gas Exploration in Afghanistan

ExxonMobil is contemplating participation in oil and gas tender of six blocks in northern Afghanistan, a company spokesman said on Monday.

'Esso Exploration International's expression of interest in the Afghan-Tajik Basin tender is part of our ongoing evaluation of oil and gas resources around the world,' Reuters said quoting Alan Jeffers, a spokesman for Exxon.

In the same report Reuters said that Afghanistan is seeking bidders for the exploration, development and production of oil and gas in six blocks in the western portion of the Afghan-Tajik Basin of northern Afghanistan.

Bids are due in late October and winning bidders will be announced in late 2012, the government said.

Afghanistan signed a deal late last year with China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) for the development of oil blocks in the Amu Darya basin in the north,