STOCK WATCH

88 Energy jumped as it got the go-ahead to beginning drilling in Alaska.

The Australian exploration company said the Alaska Oil and Gas Conversation Commission gave it the green light to start on a new planned well, called Icewine-2. Initial stages of the drilling will begin in April.

Last month the company completed an A$176m cash raise to pay for the drilling and search for more sites.

Shares were up 1.9pc, or 0.5p, to 2.7p.