Oil majors interested in exploration blocks tender

International E&P companies, including oil majors had shown keen interest to acquire exploration blocks that are currently being offered by the government, according to a government official.

Companies such as US giants ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil Corp. and Anadarko, French giant Total E&P, Malaysia?s Petronas Carigali and Genting Oil, Canadian oil firms Talisman Energy and Husky Energy, China?s CNOOC and Petrochina and Japan?s Inpex had bought bid documents, said the official, who requested for anonymity.

The government had opened 2003-2004 round of tender for 10 new exploration blocks. One block (Lhokseumawe) is located in Sumatra, four blocks in Java (Ujung Kulon, North East madura III, IV and V) and the remaining five located in the eastern part of Indonesia (RoteI, II, Babar, Selaru, Manokwari). Bid submission is scheduled to be closed late September, with contract signing expected the following month.

The government, in a bid to improve E&P investment climate, had offered more favorable contractors? split in this tender round. (godang)