Hungary: NIS GazpromNeft Serbia failed to fulfill its deal with Falcon Oil & Gas

Published on 26. January 2015., SEE Energy News

Falcon Oil & Gas co has announced the expiry of the extension granted to its partner GazpromNeft Oil industry of Serbia NIS regarding their obligatory three-well drilling programme in Falcon’s Makó Trough Licence in Hungary.

In January 2013, Falcon and NIS agreed to complete a three-well drilling programme targeting the relatively shallow Algyo Play, by July 2014. Under the terms of the Agreement, NIS made a cash payment of US$1.5 million and agreed to carry Falcon for 100% of all costs associated with the drilling and testing programme. The July 2014 deadline for completion of drilling and testing of the three-well programme was subsequently extended by Falcon to 31 December 2014 to enable NIS to fulfil its three well obligation. As of 31 December 2014, NIS has only drilled and tested two wells.

Falcon is currently evaluating, and will pursue, all options available to the Company to derive shareholder value as NIS has not fulfilled its commitments under the Agreement.

Falcon retains 100% interest in the Makó Trough Licence in Hungary including the deep play.

Philip O’Quigley, CEO of Falcon Oil & Gas commented:

‘We would like to thank NIS for their partnership over the last two years. The first two wells in the three-well programme were drilled and tested professionally. However, we are very disappointed that NIS has not fulfilled its obligations in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and we will now pursue all options available to the Company.’