BP expects significant crude production increase from W. Java ops

BP Indonesia, a unit of Anglo-American energy giant BP Plc, said on Wednesday that crude production from its maturing Offshore North West Java (ONWJ) Block in West Java would increase to 28,000-30,000 BPD from 22,800 BPD currently.

Meity Wajong, EVP Java Operations told a parliamentary hearing in Jakarta that the increase of production would come from series of drilling program the company undertook this year and next year in the block.

Gas production, however, would decline to 258BBTUD from 267BBTUD in 2007 due to reserves depletion.

ONWJ will start supplying gas to West Java fertilizer maker PT.Pupuk Kujang in 2008 at the rate of 57BBTUD. Other gas customers are state electricity firm PLN and state gas distribution firm PGN.

Wajong said that in 2008 capital expenditure for ONWJ would double to US$130 million from $66 million this year. (godang/bernard)