AfrOil: DRC raises number of blocks in licensing round to 30

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has increased the number of blocks included in an upcoming licensing round from 16 to 30, Minister of Hydrocarbons Didier Budimbu announced on July 18. In a Twitter post, Budimbu said his ministry would start accepting bids for 27 potentially oil-bearing blocks and three potentially gas-bearing blocks in Lake Kivu on July 28-29.

The Ministry of Hydrocarbons explained its decision to expand the scope of the licensing round by referring to supply concerns that have emerged on world energy markets since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It said the DRC did not want to miss the opportunity to make the most of its natural resources.

Kinshasa’s decision has drawn sharp criticism from Greenpeace. This environmental group noted in a statement on July 19 that up to 12 of the 30 blocks slated for inclusion in the auctions were located within the ecologically sensitive Cuvette Centrale area.