Eni strikes more oil in deepwater block

Italian oil firm Eni SpA had discovered more oil in its recent exploration drilling campaign in Bukat PSC deepwater block off East Kalimantan, a BPMIGAS official said.

BPMIGAS Deputy Chairman in Charge of operations Dodi Hidayat told Petromindo.Com that the Aster-4 well was plugged and abandoned after test was successful to flow 1,500BPD of oil. He did not give further detail.

Dodi said the Aster-4 was the fourth well drilled by Eni. The Transocean Legend rig will head back to Shakalin after completing the fourth well, he said.

Dodi said in an interview earlier this year that the first well called Tulip, also discovered oil, but further evaluation was needed to assessthe extend of the discovery.

Eni is carrying out 4-5 well drilling campaign in Bukat since late last year and would spend in excess of US$220 million for the exploration, Dodi said in October 30, 2006 interview. The wells drilled are located in 2,900 feet-depth of water, he said.

Eni has 100 percent working interest in the block after acquiring 45 percent of Chevron Corp.?s interest in early 2006.(godang)