The resolution, signed earlier this month, has yet to be officially published.

Each year, the government allocates hundred of millions of dollars to carry out 2D seismic and other initial appraisal efforts on unexplored acreage, mainly in the Arctic, with contracts usually awarded to several Russian exploration contractors.

The goal of the programme is to delineate potential blocks that may later be offered for further appraisal and exploration to Russian oil and gas producers.

According