CAIRO — Algeria has launched another effort to explore for crude
oil.
The Algerian Energy Ministry has invited companies to bid to explore
areas said to contain large oil reserves. On July 13, the ministry called on
foreign companies to bid for 16 zones that contain 45 energy blocks, Middle East Newsline reported.
This marked the first tender to offer energy exploration in Algeria
since 2005. Algeria, the leading natural gas exporter in North Africa, has
sought
to expand crude oil production.
A ministry statement set a Dec. 3, 2008 deadline for companies to
prequalify for the tender. The statement said the winners would be announced
on that same day. Companies would be allowed to choose to either compete for
the role of operator and or investor.