Shell considering shale gas exploration, production in Turkey

Royal Dutch Shell PLC is assessing opportunities for shale natural gas exploration and production in the Black Sea area with Turkish state-owned oil firm TPAO, said Shell Chief Executive Officer Peter Voser.

Voser spoke during a Sept. 4 news conference in Ankara with Turkey Energy Minister Taner Yildiz. Voser also planned to meet with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan.

TPAO signed an accord with Shell in November 2011 regarding exploration and production in the Mediterranean and southeastern Turkey. That agreement included plans for shale gas exploration near the southeastern city of Diyarbakir.

Yildiz told reporters that Shell recently started exploration at the Saribugday-1 well. Previously, TPAO said it would take a 70% share of production near Diyarbakir with Shell taking the test.