OREANDA-NEWS.   The first offshore oil drilling operations will begin by the end of 2014, announced Minister of Energy Youcef Yousfi.

"By the end of 2014 and beginning of 2015, we will launch the first offshore drillings once the ongoing studies are completed," Yousfi told the press on the sidelines of the signing ceremony of the agreements on the project of the new town of Hassi-Messaoud.

The areas where these drilling operations will be carried out have not been yet localized, he said, adding that "it depends on the results of the ongoing studies."

Last February, Yousfi said that the exploration and research works are underway off the Algerian coasts and will further intensify in the coming years.

"Once these studies and works are completed, they will help us assess the existing hydrocarbon potential," said the minister.