Algeria to open bidding for development of Tinrhert gas fields

Sonatrach, Algeria's state oil and gas company, plans to launch an international bidding round for the development of the Tinrhert gas fields in southeastern Algeria now that Petro-Canada, Calgary, has suspended negotiations on those fields, the OPECNA news service reported Friday. A Petro-Canada spokesman told OGJ Online that Petro-Canada is re-evaluating its options, not only in Algeria but in North Africa in general.

March 30, 2001

By the OGJ Online Staff

HOUSTON, Mar. 30-Sonatrach, Algeria's state oil and gas company, plans to launch an international bidding round for the development of the Tinrhert gas fields in southeastern Algeria now that Petro-Canada, Calgary, has suspended negotiations on those fields, the OPECNA news service reported Friday.

Chris Dawson, a Petro-Canada spokesman, told OGJ Online that Petro-Canada is re-evaluating its options not only in Algeria, but in North Africa in general. He confirmed that talks with Sonatrach regarding development of the gas fields were suspended after 2 years of negotiations.

"We're not sure if they are referring to the same holdings," Dawson said of the Sonatrach announcement.

Sonatrach said the international bid would be consistent with its new policy to award future blocks only through a bidding process.

Petro-Canada's international activities include projects in Algeria and Tunisia. In Algeria, Petro-Canada produced 4,500 b/d oil from Tamadenet field in 1999, before deduction of Algeria's share.