Premier Oil announces Anoa drilling success

UK independent oil firm Premier Oil said Thursday drilling development of the West Lobe-1 well in Natuna Sea had encountered a 100 foot hydrocarbon bearing interval in a shallower horizon above the main producing reservoir.

?An evaluation is under way to establish the significance of this success which is likely to require further appraisal,? Premier said in a statement.

The well is one of the four development wells currently being drilled as part of the Anoa Field West Lobe development.

Premier also said a further appraisal well at Central Lobe, which was drilled into a new fault block in the Anoa Field, had confirmed the presence of a 67 foot column, with an overlying 80 foot gas column.

?Evaluation is ongoing, however this result has the potential to increase significantly oil production at the Anoa field,? Premier added.

?The success here is positive news for our key Anoa asset in Natuna Sea Block A where next year we will be drilling a further five wells. In line with our strategy, this is further evidence of our ability to add reserves from within our existing producing portfolio,? Premier's Chief Executive, Simon Lockett, commented.

Premier operates the producing block with a 28.67 percent interest. The other partners in the block are Kufpec (33.33 percent), Amerada Hess (23 percent) and Petronas (15 percent). (Robert)