Italy’s Eni SpA was among companies winning rights to produce oil in the shallow waters off Mexico’s Gulf coast as the country’s second auction drew more bids for more money than expected. The National Hydrocarbons Commission awarded three out of five Gulf of Mexico offshore contracts to Eni’s ENI International B.V. and two company partnerships with bids that, on average, were double the government’s announced minimum take. The contracts for 60 percent of blocks auctioned was higher than the government’s goal of 30 to 50 percent. Eni won rights to three fields off the coast of Tabasco. Argentinian companies Pan American Energy LLC and E&P Hidrocarburos y Servicios partnered for a bid to win another block off Tabasco’s coast. A consortium formed by Mexican billionaire Alberto Bailleres’ Petrobal S.A.P.I. de C.V. and Fieldwood Energy LLC of the U.S. won a third area with no contesting bids. Two other areas […]