DAMAS, May 9: Syria’s oil minister announced on Wednesday the launch of tenders for oil and gas exploration in four blocs off the country’s coast, state news agency Sana reported.

“All international companies specialised in maritime prospecting will be allowed to submit bids,” Sufian Allaw was quoted as saying.

The minister, speaking at a press conference, added that tenders had been launched two and a half months ago for exploration in seven onshore blocs and that there is still time to submit bids.

Syrian gas production has risen from two million cubic metres a day in 1995 to 14.2 million this year. In contrast, oil output has fallen to around 400,000 barrels per day now from about 600,000 bpd in 1996.—AFP