Tullow Oil denies oil discovery reports in Ethiopia

British explorer that is carrying works in the South Omo zone has denied reports by US based website Energy and Capital that it had discovered oil in the zone.

Tullow Oil said that although drilling had commenced no oil had been struck yet terming the story confusing and poorly written.

“Tullow Ethiopia wishes to clarify its position with regard to oil exploration in South Omo zone of the Southern Nation Nationality and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR.) This follows a confusing and poorly written report on one website in the USA which suggested in its headline that Tullow had discovered oil in Ethiopia,” Tullow said in a statement.

According to Tullow Oil Ethiopia country manager Petros Abebe the results from the Sabisa -1 well are yet to be announced and are not expected before April.

“The Sabisa-1 well is being drilled currently and no report has been issued by Tullow or our partners on our progress or whether hydrocarbons have been found. We expect to have the results from the well within the next two months, at which point we will issue a statement that will be available on our website and through international media. No update will be given before the results are known and have been fully evaluated.” The Reporter website quotes Abebe.

The company is expected to drill three exploration wells in South Omo and is currently in the first well which has seen no reported developments so far.

Tullow holds a 50 percent stake in South Omo alongside Africa Oil and US based Marathon Oil which has 30 and 20 percent respectively.

Previously Tullow Oil has struck oil in various countries in the continent including Uganda, Ghana and Kenya.