Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas has approved Hellenic Petroleum’s (HELPE) proposal for an international tender to continue exploration drilling in Epanomi, near Thessaloniki, and onshore and offshore Katakolon, in the Peloponnese. The decision was based on discoveries of deposits of hydrocarbon gases and condensates in these two regions, at depths of about 2,500 meters. Studies indicate the need to continue searches to assess the potential exploitation of the findings. Drilling to date has cost $10.2 million in Epanomi and $30 million in Katakolon.