The number of active drilling rigs in Egypt fell by a whopping 13 in December to 48, the lowest level for more than three years. Whilst drilling activity continued almost unabated throughout 2011’s political upheavals payment delays led many firms active in Egypt – particularly smaller independents – to cut back on drilling activity in the second half of 2012 (MEES, 12 October 2012). (CONTINUED - 216 WORDS)