Revived Chad oil search attracts hopefuls in need of a pipeline

Following an upturn in production since 2010, further efforts to revive exploration are bringing a new generation of independents into acreage including blocks relinquished by Doba field operator ExxonMobil. The latest company to sign a production-sharing contract (PSC) with the Chadian government is Houston-based ERHC Energy, which on 6 July signed PSCs for three blocks, including two permits adjacent to the Doba oilfield, which in 2010 produced an average 122,500 b/d.