Eni awarded 3 new exploration licenses in Egypt

State-controlled Eni said in a statement it had been the successful bidder for the licenses, adding they would be formally awarded soon.

The major said it had been awarded a 100 percent interest and operatorship of the onshore block South-West Melehia in Egypt's Western desert.

It will also become operator in Blocks 9 and 8 near the boundary with Cypriot waters.

"I am very pleased with the acquisition of these new exploration permits which further strengthens our presence in Egypt, a historically and strategically important country for Eni," CEO Claudio Descalzi said in the statement.