Thailand will delay an auction of new operating concessions for the Erawan and Bongkot offshore gas fields until November, General Anantaporn Kanjanarat, Energy Minister said Sept. 14.

“Currently, we expect there to be one to two companies interested in investing in concessions,” Anantaporn said. “The Council of State is considering the terms of the auction before it is sent to the Cabinet for approval. The auction should take place in November and winning bids in April 2018.”

Chevron Corp. operates the Erawan field and state-owned PTT Exploration and Production Co. operates the Bongot field under licenses which are set to expire in 2022 and 2023.

Early 2017, the energy ministry said that the terms would be said in July or August and winners would be named in February 2018.

The areas have combined output of 2.2 billion cubic feet a day, about 76% of output from the Gulf of Thailand.