CPI resumes production in Riau as smog problem subsides

By Godang Sitompul

PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI) has resumed production activities at its working areas in Riau, and is in the process of returning to normal production rate amid signs that the smog problem in the region has subsided, according to the upstream oil and gas authority SKK Migas.

CPI earlier this week managed to produce 303 bopd, which hopefully could further increase to normal level going forward.

?Hopefully, the depletion of the smog problem will allow CPI to operate better. However, the depletion of the smog problem does not ensure that the problem will not return. We?ll just have to wait,? said Handoyo Budi Santoso, Head of Public Relations at SKK Migas.

SKK Migas said on March 17 that the smog problem in Riau and the surrounding areas has hampered oil and gas production activities in the region, causing potential production loss estimated at 12,000 bopd since March 11, describing it as a very serious threat if it lingers on considering that Riau is one of the national oil production backbones.

The largest production loss potential comes from the Rokan working area operated by PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI), the SKK Migas said in a statement said. Poor air condition quality has forced CPI to carry out emergency maintenance into the North Duri Cogen, causing a power shedding of 70 MW. As many as 573 wells, and 19 units of water injection pumps have to be shut down, as a consequence. In addition, several construction and maintenance of production facilities have also to be suspended due to minimal visibility in the project locations.

Handoyo also said that production activities at the Malacca Strait, operated by PT Energi Mega Persada Tbk, which was also affected by the thick haze problem, has resumed to normal.

?It has returned to normal with high alertness,? he said.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak