American oil company ExxonMobil is now preparing the next phase of its research program to identify potential natural gas deposits in the sea blocks of Crete.

ExxonMobil has been surveying for seven days for the promising natural gas deposits off Crete.

Four bills ratifying a number of leases for the concession of exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in four maritime areas in Crete and the Ionian Sea were submitted to the Greek parliament yesterday by the ministry of environment and energy.