Jordan is seeking to revitalize its small upstream sector by opening up nine concession areas for oil and gas exploration (see map). In a newly published announcement, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources says that it is considering two separate tracks – the launch of a bid round, and direct negotiations with interested firms.

Despite exploration in Jordan dating back as far as 1947, the kingdom has never enjoyed any major successes. The ministry claims just two producing fields, the Risha gas field on the border with Iraq and the Hamza oil field on the Saudi border. (CONTINUED - 731 WORDS)