Companies splashed out a cumulative $159.3 million in high bids at this week's US Gulf lease sale as operators ventured into new exploration positions while remaining careful with their cash.
The total high bids from the sale, added with $244 million from this year's March sale, meant 2019 is the best year since 2015 in high bids for the prolific production area, Gulf of Mexico regional director Mike Celata said.
