DRILLING

Croats discover rich Middle East gas fields

The gas unit of Croatia's state-owned oil company INA has discovered rich natural gas fields in the enigmatic Middle East nation of Syria. The announcement comes at an opportune time for the company as it prepares to be privatised, which is due to be completed next year.

"We still need to take a number of steps before starting production, but initial estimates show that the quantities are very good and more than enough for commercial exploitation," an INA official said. The official declined to give further details of the discovery.

The new gas fields are fully owned by INA Naftaplin, the gas unit of Croatia's largest company, which is working to assess the reserves of gas contained on the three drilling sites.

After the preliminary works, INA said it will conclude a commercial deal with the Syrian state-owned entity, State Petroleum Company, and plans production in 2005. "This certainly presents a great potential for us," the INA official said.

Famous for a spectacular coastline and producing world class sportspeople, Croatia declared its independence in 1991, which led to the bloody disintegration of the ex-Yugoslavia.

After recapturing conquered territory in 1995, the country has since struggled to reform its economy and raise living standards.

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