* Ecuador’s state oil company, Petroecuador, has opened the tender process for contracts related to its Block 6 ‘Campo Amistad’ natural gas field in El Oro province. Petroecuador is seeking over US$173m from the tender, which will include contracts to drill new wells, maintain existing wells, and build facilities. The registration period for bids will end on 18 August, and contracts will be awarded on 24 October.