Figure (Exploration Blocks) illustrates the location, number, name and area of all the exploration acreage . Blocks 3 and 5 are awarded to Texana Resources Company, Houston, USA . The company has completed geological studies. it has planned to start seismic survey in th 4th quarter of 2001, but due to security situation in the country, force majuere clause of the Petroleum Agreement has been used by the Company since 2005 and still continues.

The Blocks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 has been recently awarded to Cairn Energy PLC. an independent British oil company. The company has submitted Work Program and Budget for contract year one ( 11 August 2004 to 10 August 2005 ) and has commenced its operational activities as per the planned progrmas.

The remaining 3 Exploration Blocks ( No. 8, 9 and 10 ) are open and will be on offer in the next bidding round to be announced in the near future.