The government has extended an oil exploration license granted to CairnEnergy Plc in order for it to continue to evaluate the outcome of a seismic survey, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi told Parliament this morning.

Replying to a PQ by PN MP Marthese Portelli, Mr Mizzi said since March 2013, the government issued an oil exploration license to RatioMalta Ltd in Area Five, which is situated south-west of Malta.

He said Genel Energy Plc explored an exploratory well in 2014. This well was supposed to have been drilled in 2011.

Although no oil has been found, the Transport Minister said the project hass yielded important information.

Despite international oil prices having plummeted, the government is still committed to oil exploration, Mr Mizzi said.