LONDON, May 5 (Reuters) - Chevron ( CVX ) said on

Tuesday it would search for oil and gas south of Malta, which

lies between producing Mediterranean nations Libya, Italy and

Tunisia but has not got any production itself yet.

* Exploration studies will be based on existing data rather

than newly drilled wells

* Chevron's ( CVX ) portfolio in the Mediterranean includes

operating stakes in Israel's Leviathan and Tamar gas fields and

the Aphrodite field being developed offshore Cyprus

* Chevron ( CVX ) also has exploration blocks offshore Greece and

Egypt

* U.S. rival Exxon has also been expanding its

portfolio in the Mediterranean