KIEV, April 7 – British gas and oil producing company JKX Oil & Gas plc. has acquired an interest in three exploration licenses for prospecting for oil and gas in the Carpathian Fold Belt in Slovakia, the company said on Monday.

The licenses were awarded in August 2006 and cover a total area of 2,278 sq km.

According to the press release, JKX, through a wholly owned subsidiary, will acquire a 25% interest in the Svidnik, Medzilaborce and Snina licenses which are currently held and operated by three wholly owned local subsidiary companies of Aurelian Oil & Gas PLC.