"All international companies specialized in maritime prospecting will be allowed to submit bids," Sufian Allaw was quoted as saying.

The minister, speaking at a press conference, added that tenders had been launched two-and-a-half months ago for exploration in seven onshore blocs and that there is still time to submit bids.

Syrian gas production has risen from 2 million cubic meters (70.6 million cubic feet) a day in 1995 to 14.2 million this year. In contrast, oil output has fallen to around 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) now from about 600,000 bpd in 1996.

PIN/METIMES.COM