This means several planned wells will not be drilled, raising further doubt over Riyadh's search for gas in the region.

Srak's request to the Petroleum & Mineral Resources Ministry for more time to complete its planned first exploration phase of seven wells remains unanswered.

Despite this, and the withdrawal of French oil major Total in early February, the joint venture of Saudi Aramco and the UK/Dutch Shell Group says it will go ahead with the fourth of seven wells, named Kidan.

The well, which has a planned total depth in excess of 5,030 metres, poses technical difficulties, according to an executive close to the consortium.

“It is a deep well, high in hydrogen sulphide, and will take the best part of this year to develop,” says the executive.

In August, Srak asked Riyadh for more time to drill, blaming terrorist activities in 2004 for putting its exploration activities behind schedule.

If it fails to win an extension, only four wells will be completed before the contract expires on 26 January 2009.

Shell and Aramco are expected to share Total's 30 per cent stake in the venture. In November 2007, Srak said drilling on its first three wells had been unsuccessful.