Saudi Firm Signs Oil, Gas Deals with Taliban-Led Afghan Energy Ministry
A Saudi Arabian energy company, Delta Energy Group, has signed agreements with Afghanistan's Taliban-led Ministry of Mines and Petroleum to explore oil and gas resources in western Afghanistan.
The agreements cover an area of approximately 23,317 square kilometers, consisting of 11 blocks, for exploration and production-sharing. The region includes the Kushk and Tirpul areas, where Delta Energy will conduct geological and geophysical studies, seismic surveys, exploration drilling, and reservoir evaluations to assess hydrocarbon resources.
The company also plans to finance a study on the use of natural gas in Herat, including infrastructure development for industry, electricity generation, and other energy needs. A proposed 700-kilometer gas pipeline, dubbed the 'CentGas, Corridor of Prosperity', is also part of the agreements.
Delta Energy estimates that the project could require around $10 billion in investment over 10 years. The company emphasizes that construction will depend on successful exploration, confirmation of sufficient gas reserves, technical and economic feasibility, financing, regulatory approvals, and a final investment decision.