The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has cancelled a licensing round for 27 oil blocks, originally launched in 2022 to tap into the nation’s oil and gas potential, according to a statement posted on the hydrocarbons ministry’s X account on Monday.

The statement dated Oct. 11 cited multiple reasons for the cancellation, including late submissions, inappropriate or irregular offers, and a lack of competition.

“Given the above, I am obliged to declare the cancellation of the ongoing process,” hydrocarbons minister Aime Sakombi Molendo said. He added that the process would be relaunched soon, without providing a specific timeline.

Congo announced in July 2022 that it would offer 27 oil blocks and three gas blocks in the licensing round which drew condemnation from environmental groups and some of Congo’s western partners.

Some blocks are situated in parts of the world’s second-biggest rainforest, sparking fears that drilling could release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, jeopardising climate goals to tame global warming. Congo rejected the criticisms, arguing that it needed to tap its natural resources for development.