Novus? Indonesian gas production soars in Q1 2003

Australian oil and gas company Novus Petroleum Limited announced on Wednesday that its gas production from East Java and West Natuna gas fields soared due to strong demand and successful development programme in East Java field.

The company said average gas production from Brantas PSC in East Java was 40.6 million standard cubic feet per day (MMCFD), compared to 24.4 MMCFD in the previous quarter. The company said sales from Wunut gas field in Brantas PSC continued to increase with sales peaking at 50 MMCFD and averaging 44 MMCFD in March. Novus has 50 percent working interest in Brantas.

Novus also said that gas production from ConocoPhillips-operated Kakap gas block offshore West Natuna-where Novus has 25 percent working interest-increased by 11 percent from previous quarter to 58 MMCFD and 11 percent above take or pay level. Kakap gas production is piped to Singapore.

Novus? first quarter net oil production from Kakap PSC was 2,245 barrels of oil per day.(alex)