BRITISH GAS OBTAINS POLISH E&P RIGHTS

British Gas plc has received exploration and production rights from Poland's Ministry of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources, and Forestry covering nine blocks 100 km west of Warsaw. The adjacent blocks, offered in Poland's first onshore licensing round, cover a total 9,000 sq km. BG holds a 100% interest during exploration. The ministry can take an equity interest during the development phase. Any government stake is expected to be less than 50%, BG said.