Ukraine announces second, third licensing rounds

March 18, 2019
Ukraine outlined terms for its second and third licensing rounds. Bidding will be done using an online auction for areas covering more than 2,260 sq km. Licensing rounds are being offered in stages.

Ukraine outlined terms for its second and third licensing rounds. Bidding will be done using an online auction for areas covering more than 2,260 sq km. Licensing rounds are being offered in stages (OGJ, Mar. 4, 2019, p. 31).

In other news, Ukraine said an earlier first licensing round has resulted in the awarding of licenses for three blocks. Seven other blocks attracted no bids. The total amount was more than $5.2 million.

Three Ukraine gas producers receives the licenses: Burisma Group, Block 2, DTEK Oil & Gas, Block 3, and state-owned UkrGasVydobuvannya (UGV), Block 7.

Second-round terms call for participants to be Ukrainian legal entities although they can be controlled by a nonresident company. The bidder is mandated to pay the guarantee fee at 20% of the initial price of the bid.

Ukraine launched a third round on Mar. 18 for nine onshore blocks in three regions. All third-round licenses are for 20-year periods. Bids are to be submitted by June 18.

In addition, the Ukrainian government has opened a public tender for nine blocks under a production-sharing agreement covering 11,600 sq km. Interested parties must submit applications by May 28. Winning bidders will be notified by June.