Turkey to Sign Exploration Deal with Shell

Turkey is planning to enter into an agreement with Royal Dutch Shell for exploration of natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean.

Sabah daily reports that Turkey's state oil company the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Shell have already agreed in principle to a deal to be signed by the end of this month.

Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yıldız said the deal would see Shell to explore for oil and gas in Turkey's exclusive economic zone in the eastern Mediterranean, off the coast of the southern province of Antalya.

Tensions are already running high in the area with Turkey disputing the legitimacy of drilling being undertaken Noble Energy under the authority of the Greek Cypriot government.

Editor’s Note: For a complete update on drilling in the Mediterranean, enter ‘Cyprus’ in our search function.