Only two domestic energy companies, Hellenic Petroleum (EL.PE) and Energea Oil, tabled bids on Friday for onshore oil exploration in three blocks of western Greece.

Previous reports holding that Italian multinational ENEL would withdraw from the bidding proved true.

Shell, Total and Repsol had initially shown some interest as well.

Up next is the tender for 20 off-shore, although new relevant Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis – himself on the leftist wing of leftist ruling SYRIZA party – said the terms of the tender “will be re-examined towards the benefit of national interest”.

EL.PE will explore in the Arta-Preveza and northwest Peloponnese blocks, while Engergean Oil & Gas also in Arta-Preveza and Aetoloakarnania prefecture.