MANAMA, 23 September 2007 — Three companies have made bid to explore for oil in Bahrain, said Minister of Oil and Gas Affairs Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza over the weekend.
Earlier, at least 18 companies had expressed interest. However, only the US firm Occidental, Russia’s Zaru-bezhneft and Thailand’s PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) had submitted bids before deadline.
“The next stage is to examine bids. Each bidder has given its plans and how it will pursue the project. The bids will now be evaluated by experts at Bapco and Noga with the help of a consultant,” Mirza said.
“The winner will be chosen by the end of the year,” said the minister. “And the oil exploration at four blocks comprising Bahrain’s entire offshore acreage would begin immediately.”
Bahrain produced about 35,000 barrels per day (bpd) from its Awali oilfield in 2006. It received another 150,000 bpd from Saudi Arabia, its share of output from the Abu Saafa oilfield. Bahrain has also invited bids to revamp its onshore operations, which are due by Oct. 17.