TEPI to spend over $100m next year for Mentawai block

By Godang Sitompul

Total E&P Indonesie (TEPI) plans to spend more than US$100 million next year to fund exploration program at the Mentawai block, in Bengkulu.

?In 2014, we?ll focus on the Mentawai (block), drilling one exploration well,? Head of Media Relations at the company Kristanto Hartadi told Petromindo.com Monday. He said that the budget for drilling one well is about $100 million.

Kristanto said that TEPI in 2013 drilled the Anggrek Hitam 1X well in the Southwest Bird?s Head PSC, in Papua, and the Tongkol well in Southeast Mahakam PSC.

He said that the company has secured the necessary rig supply for 2014, citing that its current contract with oil and gas drilling services firm PT Apexindo Pratama Duta lasts until 2015.

Kristanto added that TEPI plans to maintain current production levels of 1,670-1,700 mmscfd of gas and 67,000 barrels oil per day until 2015. He said the company has no intention to develop shale gas.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak