Equatorial Energy records Indonesian crude production increase

Canadian oil and gas firm Equatorial Energy Inc. said Thursday crude production from its Indonesian operations increased significantly to 5, 667 barrel per day (BPD) during the first half of the year, as against last year?s corresponding period production of 3,853 BPD.

For the second quarter period this year, Equatorial recorded production of 6,519 BPD.

The increase, said the company, was primary related to successful drilling program.

In Indonesia, Equatorial operates Sembakung technical assistance contract (TAC) area on the North-East coast of Kalimantan and Tanjung Lontar TAC in South Sumatra.

The Company drilled 17 wells in the initial 6 months of 2001, 14 wells in the second quarter. All wells were completed as producing oil wells. Of these wells, 6 were drilled directionally from the Sembakung oilfield while 11 wells were part of the continuous shallow drilling program at Tanjung Lontar.

According to the company, during the remainder of the year, 5 additional wells will be drilled at Sembakung 13 wells at Tanjung Lontar and complete the processing of seismic data obtained from a recent 2D seismic program

Equatorial Energy Inc. is a Calgary based independent junior oil & gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of petroleum and natural gas in western Canada and Indonesia. (alex)