Reuters: Saudi Aramco Extends Bidding for Unconventional Gas Work

State energy firm Saudi Aramco has extended the deadline for companies to bid for work on its unconventional gas facilities in the north of the country, signalling it remains committed to developing shale gas deposits, industry sources said.

The project, known as System A, will involve building processing facilities, wellheads and pipelines for gas in Turaif, where a big mining project called Waad al-Shamal is under development. No estimate for the total value of the contracts was given.

"They extended - the bid closing date now is in March," said a source, adding that Saudi Aramco had sent companies additional requirements that would need their study. Bids were originally due to close in early December and the deadline has been extended several times, most recently to March 15. There was no immediate comment from Saudi Aramco. MORE