Gazprom Neft has acquired additional licences for geological prospecting, exploration and development at the Yuilsky-3, Lyaminskiy-6 and Severo-Ityakhskiy-1 blocks, all located in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. This licensing round, for subsoil development rights to hitherto unexplored licence blocks, was conducted in Khanty-Mansiysk by the Khanty-Mansiysk Federal Okrug Department for Subsoil Use.

The Yuilsky-3 block, located in the Khanty-Mansiyskiy district, covers an area of 895.7 square kilometres. Forecast recoverable reserves are estimated at 26.5 million tonnes of D-class reserves, and 1.3 million tonnes of D-2. The Lyaminskiy-6 block, located in the Surgutskiy district, covers an area of 271.1 square kilometres. Forecast recoverable reserves (expected to be D-class reserves) are estimated at 8.2 million tonnes. The Severo-Iyakhskiy-1 block, covering an area of 134.6 square kilometres, is also located in the Khanty-Mansiyskiy district. Forecast recoverable reserves (expected to be D-class reserves) are forecast at 5.3 million tonnes.

These areas have been selected on the basis of localised assessments on the long-term outlook for development of the Bazhenov formation. The immediate objective on this project will now be confirm the forecast hydrocarbon-bearing potential of these assets, and to determine the extent of unconventional reserves, as well as the specific characteristics pertaining thereto.