Blair specifically reported that “ExxonMobil has not commented on the matter”, implying that neither InterOil nor Exxon leaked the report of exclusivity lapsing to Blair. The likely candidates are of course Shell and the DPE. Both parties are trying to insert Shell into the Gulf Project operatorship role, and the timing of this leak and desperation of this tactic is a blatant confirmation that a deal with Exxon is near. InterOil’s decision not to extend exclusivity is solely its decision, and with material terms already agreed to with Exxon, it can only imply strong competing bids for the resource and hence InterOil’s being in a strong negotiating position. Exxon already publicized how badly it needs InterOil's gas on its conference call 2 weeks ago.
I think we will learn more next week.