Petronas eyes oil, gas investments in Bolivia

Malaysia's Petronas is considering oil and gas exploration projects in Bolivia, the South American country's state-run oil company YPFB said.

Both companies' presidents met in Brazil during the Rio Oil and Gas conference, held from 26-29 September in Rio de Janeiro. The meeting was part of the company's efforts to attract international partnerships, said YPFB's president Armin Dorgathen Tapia.

Tapia is meeting with other oil and gas executives during the event, YPFB said, with a focus on natural gas-related investments and other areas.

Bolivia had a $142mn hydrocarbon trade surplus from January-August, thanks to high international crude prices. Natural gas export prices rose by up to 25pc during that time.

By Flávia Pierry