Title: Israeli Energy Ministry Grants 12 Licenses for Gas Exploration Offshore

The Israeli Energy Ministry announced on Sunday that it has granted 12 licenses to six companies for natural gas exploration off the country's Mediterranean coast in order to create more competition and diversify suppliers. It added that a consortium including Eni, Dana Petroleum, and Ratio Petroleum will conduct exploration activities in the area west of the Leviathan field, which supplies gas to Israel and is also used for exports. The ministry stated that another group consisting of BP, Socar, and New Med will explore north of the Leviathan field.