TN PETRÓLEO

Colombia`s government has invited roughly 20 companies to participate in a special heavy crude round this year for 15 blocks, Armando Zamora, director of hydrocarbons regulator ANH, told BNamericas.

"I would expect the large majority to participate," Zamora said, without commenting on the specific timeline for the round.

ANH is holding three new rounds in 2008. ANH launched the first round of the year, dubbed the Colombian round, with 43 blocks in February.

Interest in the round has exceeded ANH`s expectations, Zamora said, adding 50 companies were represented at roadshows in London and Houston.

ANH has labeled the second round of 2008 a mini-round, which will include close to 150 smaller blocks.

Several oil majors including ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), Chevron (NYSE: CVX) and Shell (NYSE: RDS-B) already have expressed interest in the new E&P rounds, Zamora said in March.

Colombia is attractive to investors, in part because of its promising reserves and attractive E&P conditions, according to companies that operate in the country.