Russias Gazprom EP International and Algerias Sonatrach Petroleum Corporation have made a joint discovery of new hydrocarbon reserves in the Berkine Basin in Algeria, Gazprom announced in a statement.

Lebanons Prime Minister Saad Hariri has said the country plans to launch a licensing round for offshore gas exploration at the beginning of 2012.

Gulfsands Petroleum PLC has announced that ADX Energy Ltd, the operator of the Kerkouane Exploration Licence offshore Tunisia has provided the results of an internal study which was undertaken to provide a preliminary volumetric estimate of the potential hydrocarbon resource associated with the Lambouka gas discovery.

Yemens ministry of Oil and Minerals opened up a fifth bidding round for 10 oil and gas exploration blocks.