On 5 December 2018, the Federal Agency for Subsoil Use held on auction for the Talovskiy block in Saratov Oblast (Volga-Ural Province). Yuggazengineering emerged as the winner with an offer of RUB 0.125 million (USD 0.002 million).  The Talovskiy block covers 17 sq km in the Precaspian Basin and encompasses the depleted Talovskoye gas field. Seismic coverage amounts to 150 km. Seventeen wells have been drilled in the block. Gas resources (category D1) of the block are estimated at 21 Bcf. The starting price amounted to RUB 0.1 million (USD 0.002 million).
Government of Russia awards Talovskiy block in Saratov Oblast