Eni hits gas in Egyptian Western Desert

Italian energy giant Eni said it has made a gas discovery in the Egyptian Western Desert on the Faramid South exploration prospect located in East Obayed concession, 30 km North-West of the Melehia Concession.

The well reached the target depth of 17,000 ft and encountered several gas-bearing layers in the Kathabta sandstones of Jurassic age, the company said in a statement.

The well has been opened to production delivering 25 mmscfd, confirming the potential of the East Obayed Concession.

Eni has started the studies to develop these gas reserves that, together with the gas potential of the Melehia Concession, can contribute to increasing the country gas production from the Western Desert Basin.

Eni, through its operating company AGIBA, which is equally held by Eni’s unit IEOC and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), currently produces 55,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day from the Egyptian Western Desert. AGIBA owns 100 percent of the East Obayed Concession.