State-controlled Entreprise Tunisienne d’Activites Petrolieres (ETAP) is bullish on future exploration and production in Tunisia, as the country strives to become energy independent. There will be no slowdown in drilling activity, and there is optimism that Eni’s exit from the country will soon be compensated by a deal with Shell.

ETAP’s Chief Executive, Muhammad Akrout told MEES that 15 wells will be drilled in Tunisian concessions next year, in which the national oil company typically holds a 50% stake. This would be the same amount of wells drilled in 2013, he said. (CONTINUED - 361 WORDS)