The ANP board today approved the temporary suspension of the 17th Bidding Round for areas for exploration and production of oil and natural gas, under the concession regime, which was scheduled for this year.

The Agency complied with the determination of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, which, in an official letter, requested the temporary suspension of actions related to the 17th. Round, specifically those related to the publication of the pre-public notice and the draft contract, in view of the current economic and social scenario resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) will define a new schedule for the bidding process, which will be submitted for evaluation by its members.

The ANP will also await a new decision by the CNPE regarding the multi-annual planning of the bidding rounds scheduled for the 2020-2021 biennium. The measure does not suspend the Permanent Offering of Areas for Exploration and Production.