Eni's recent Egypt Mediterranean offshore expansion was confirmed on 2 February, after Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly’s Cabinet approved the award of five blocks to the Italian firm. The North El Fayrouz (Eni 50% operator, BP 50%) and North Rafah (Eni 100%) blocks were part of a 2021 Egas bid round (MEES, 7 January 2022), while the Seti East Bellatrix (Eni 50% operator, BP 50%), North East El Arish and Tiba (both Eni 100%) blocks were awarded towards the end of 2022 outside of official bidding (MEES, 6 January).
The award of North East El Arish remains somewhat contentious, with former operator Dana Gas believing it was entitled to extend the license by a further 12 months from March 2022 (MEES, 10 June 2022). (CONTINUED - 1008 WORDS)
