Last Friday's article on oil exploration off Ibiza was poorly researched. The article comments that if petroleum is found it would be the first to be tapped in Spain and that Spain is a country who has to import all of its fuel. Neither statement is true. Over 20 oil fields have been discovered in the Mediterranean alone and although low at 3000 barrels per day national production does occur.
It states that Cairn Energy will explore an oil field which stretches from Ibiza to Valencia. After a life time in the industry I have never heard of it - unusual as it would be one of the biggest in the world some 80kms across. A quick calculation is that a field this size in nearby North Africa, which is geologically similar, could easily produce crude oil worth THREE TIMES the entire Spanish Tourist Industry. I doubt that all the ecologists, environmentalists or politicians in the land could oppose its development. I'm sure the general public, sensing an end to all Spain's woes in the Euro, would not allow them to stand in the way even with a rare risk of pollution. Unfortunately the field is a myth. I'm sure what was meant to be written was explore for oil fields in an area which stretches from Ibiza to Valencia. I'd love it not to be a miss print and be able to look forward to Oil Rigs becoming common in Balearics Waters.
Mike Lillico, Palma
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