Kenya: Premier quits Block 2B

Premier Oil has pulled out of onshore Block 2B, where exploration is the subject of legal action. The block is operated by Taipan Resources subsidiary Lion Petroleum, and drilling has been held up by local protests. Partner Tower Resources said the working interests of Lion and Tower would be adjusted on a pro-rata basis (Lion 66.66%, Tower 33.34%) for the remaining six months of the current licence phase. The Ministry of Energy has agreed a six-month extension to the first additional exploration period to 30 November 2015.