Bahrain hopes that the discovery of a major unconventional offshore field announced in April will rejuvenate its flagging oil and gas sector (MEES, 6 April). Two further appraisal wells are planned for this year, but progress is slow. Energy Minister Shaikh Muhammad Al Khalifa said this week that Bahrain is currently working on the next wells. Asked by MEES if end-2018 was viable the minister said “we should have the well at least started, but then it takes time to frack so next year you will start seeing results coming in.” A measured approach clearly, and 2019 will hold more answers as to whether the wait will be worth it.