Myanmar has awarded 16 out of the 18 blocks offered in its onshore upstream bidding round, with Italy’s Eni winning two tracts and emerging as the country’s biggest Western newcomer since the lifting of most economic sanctions. The largest upstream player in Myanmar, Thai PTT Exploration and Production won a block in partnership with Thai Palang Sophon Offshore, while Malaysia’s state Petronas, another major player, was awarded two blocks including an improved petroleum recovery contract. But smaller bidders with previous onshore experience in Myanmar, such as Switzerland-registered Geopetrol, Singapore-listed Interra Resources, and Australia’s Twinza Oil, failed to win any blocks. However, Indian companies OVL and MPRL won two blocks each. Russia’s Bashneft was also awarded a block – its second overseas project.
