'We are in [direct] negotiations with Stroytransgas to build a gas treatment plant but if they are unsuccessful, we will tender the project,' says deputy Petroleum Minister Hassan Zeinab.

The project is one of several aimed at boosting Damascus' gas production of about 800 million cf/d through the development of new gas treatment plants in the country.

Stroytransgas is also pressing ahead with works on the estimated $200 million gas treatment plant under the SMAGP. The scope of works involves the development of well sites and construction of gas treatment separators at three fields - Abu Rabah, North al-Faid and Qomqom. It also involves the construction of gathering pipelines from the wells to the separators and the gas processing plant. Construction is expected to take 22 months. Syrian Gas Company (SGC) is the client.

Croatia's INA Naftaplin is planning a gas treatment plant and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) unit in its Hayan block, located northeast of Damascus. Construction is expected to take four years, with construction tenders due to be issued by October (MEED 19:5:06).