Bahrain is to step up efforts to conserve its strategic oil and gas reserves and upgrade facilities.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa urged viable initiatives to preserve stocks. Chairing a work meeting, he gave directives to upgrade exploration and drilling programs to boost production.

He stressed the need for Bahrain to maintain its acknowledged safety and security record at national facilities. He underlined the strategic importance of exploration and drilling in promoting national development.

The Premier was briefed on the ongoing implementation of the government-led work plan to develop the sector. In this regard, he outlined a string of vital projects, as part of the government's efforts to boost the sector's contribution to economic development.

Mr Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa finance minister and minister in charge of Oil and Gas Affairs updated the Premier on existing and future projects to boost the productivity of oil and gas fields. The Premier directed service ministries to set up specialised teams to assess government facilities and establishments and ensure their viability.