Myanmar announces second bidding round for oil, gas blocks

The Ministry of Energy has announced the second bidding round for onshore oil and gas blocks.

The announcement, printed by state-run media on January 17, said that bids would be accepted for 18 onshore blocks. Bids must be delivered no later than March 17 to the director general of the Energy Planning Department in Nay Pyi Taw.


“The petroleum operation shall be conducted on production sharing basis and/or improved petroleum recovery basis,” the statement said.

The state owned Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) will serve as a partner along with at least one Myanmar national owned company. The list of approved Myanmar national owned companies will be compiled by the Energy Planning Department. 

Potential bidders will be able to submit up to three proposals for three onshore blocks.

The tender was delayed in early September when officials from major Western energy corporations approached Ministry of Energy officials with concerns over transparency and international standards.

“At the present time, we are putting great emphasis on transparency and the rule of law,” Minister for Energy U Than Htay said on September 4. “We need some time to consider and assess before we launch our next international bidding round.”

The first round of tenders took place in August 2011.

source: The Myanmar Times
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/business/3794-myanmar-announces-second-bidding-round-for-oil-gas-blocks.html