The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources will contact the US Company ConocoPhilips and Irish company Tullow for exploring two to three offshore blocks for oil and gas, informed sources said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is in charge of the Ministry, directed the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources to contact the two companies for exploring two to three offshore blocks out of nine blocks.

Following the Prime Minister direction, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources will place the issue of third round offshore bidding on oil and gas before the Economic Affairs Committee immediately.

The government will invite fresh tender for the remaining blocks, sources added.

Earlier in February 2008, the US oil and gas giant ConocoPhilips was selected for eight offshore blocks 10,11, 12,15,16, 17, 20 and 21 and the Irish company Tullow for one block-5 under the country's latest offshore bidding round.