The Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) said on 18 June that it plans to launch an international bid round for four oil fields in Deir Ezzor, with commercial bids due by 19 July. The company has not confirmed whether there will be an official bidding ceremony, only noting that the round will be “by public announcement.” The fields on offer — Mahash, Akissyah, East Khrata, and Qusaibeh — have been grouped collectively as the ‘MAKK Area’. These fields are located northwest of Shell’s former Al-Furat Petroleum Company (AFPC) concession area, which includes the Omar oil field. The UK major withdrew from Syria earlier this year (MEES, 23 January).