The first major upstream oil and gas bankruptcy filing of the year could occur this week as SandRidge Energy Inc, Venoco Inc [DNVRPV.UL] and Energy XXI Ltd reach the end of grace periods following millions in missed interest payments. The three oil and gas exploration and production companies with operations across the United States, said they would skip a total of $44.2 million in interest payments last month, as they negotiated debt restructurings with creditors. Their decisions kicked off month-long grace periods. Under many credit agreements, lenders can call all their debt due after the end of the grace period, potentially pushing the companies into bankruptcy. Venoco and Energy XXI could not immediately be reached for comment. SandRidge declined to comment on the grace period. If […]