On 21/22 June 2018, the Ministry for National Development, in cooperation with the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology, commenced countryâs sixth (2018) bid round for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons. The tender caries nine areas for hydrocarbon exploration â BÃ©kÃ©scsaba, DrÃ¡va, KÃ¶rÃ¶sladÃ¡ny, Szeged-DÃ©lkelet, Tard, TiszafÃ¼red, Tiszatarjan, Ujszilvas and ZalaerdÃ¶d â and two areas for geothermal purposes (GÃ¡doros, Nagykanizsa-Nyugat). The blocks for hydrocarbon exploration are located in the northeastern, central and western parts of the country (for details see other, specific block-related articles).  The tender call has a three-month duration, closing on 26/27 September 2018. The bid winners are expected to be pronounced in November 2018, with the awards of the contracts expected in early 2019. The list of the areas on offer may include seven-eight blocks (plus additional plot(s) for geothermal purposes).  Background Information  The countryâs first bid round was pronounced in 2013 and had little success (two awards). Following modifications to the legal and fiscal terms, the tenders conducted in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 attracted significant attention and resulted with the awards of 17 new concessions (awards from the 2017 round were effectuated in January/February 2018). As during the period 2013-17, the opening of the 2018 round was expected in late May/June 2018, with nine areas offered for the hydrocarbon operations and one to two blocks for the hydrothermal energy.  In preparation for the 2018/2017 licensing rounds, the authorities have earmarked over 35 open areas in the western, central and central-eastern part of the country. As during the period 2013-17, the opening of the 2018 round was expected to open in late May/June 2018, with some nine areas offered for the hydrocarbon operations and one to two blocks for the hydrothermal energy. The tender documents, published in the EU Official Journal, marked the onset of the bid round.
On 21/22 June 2018, the Ministry for National Development, in cooperation with the Hungarian Office for Mining and Geology, commenced countryâs sixth (2018) bid round for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons. The tender caries nine areas for hydrocarbon exploration