Total marks new record gas production from Mahakam block

Gas flow from Total SA-operated Mahakam block in East Kalimantan has reached another historical high when it hit production of 2.870 billion cubic feet per day in the last few days, an industry source said.

The source said the increase in Mahakam?s gas production was due to completion of new production facilities in Tunu and Peciko fields.

Total announced historical highest production of 2.725 BCFD in March this year.

The source, however, said that gas production from Mahakam block would not be able to be maintained at 2.870 BCFD rate due to pressure depletion on several gas older fields, which will bring down gas production.

?Production from the new fields is to anticipate decline in several fields that are already 3-4 years old,? said the source. The source said that Mahakam is expected to maintain production rate of 2.4-2.5 BCFD next year.

Natural gas from Mahakam is exported through pipeline to the Bontang LNG Plant where it is liquefied before being shipped as LNG to Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Mahakam is number 1 gas supplier to Bontang LNG plant.

Total is the operator of Mahakam block in 50-50partnership with Japanese company INPEX Corporation. (alex)