Big companies interested in new blocks

World's top oil and gas companies have expressed interest in developing 24 blocks being offered by the government through a tender, a source told Petromindo.com on Wednesday.

Companies including BP, JX Nippon, LNG Japan, Mitsui, Niko, Eni Mi Berau are competing for the Arguni I block, said the source who declined to be named.

BP and Hess are vying for Arguni II block. Pant Orient Bukit Asia ltd is interested in East Jabung block; Niko and Repsol are interested in Tomini Bay II block; while Total and Petro Resources are aiming at SW Bird's block.

A different source told Petromindo previously that U.S oil giant ExxonMobil Corp and Japanese giant firm Mitsubishi Corp had unveiled bid to develop the oil and gas blocks on offer during the Second Round tender of 2010. (godang)