Argus: Algeria looks to oil and gas output boost

Algeria is expecting a boost to its oil and gas production during the next four years from newly developed fields. Crude output will start next year at the Bir Sebaa (BRS) and Bir el Msana (BMS) blocks, Algeria's state-owned oil firm Sonatrach said at the North Africa Oil and Gas Summit in Algiers.

BRS will produce 20,000 b/d in its first phase by April next year, with a further 20,000 b/d coming on stream in a second phase of production by 2017 through water injection. BRS is operated by a joint venture (JV) between Sonatrach, Thailand's state-controlled oil firm PTT and Vietnamese equivalent PetroVietnam.

BMS, operated by a JV between Sonatrach and Spanish oil firm Cepsa, will start producing 12,000 b/d in 2015. Cepsa completed the acquisition of a 45pc stake in the field from US independent Hess in 2013. First oil is expected in 2016 from the Central Area Field Complex in the Berkhine basin, at the Menzel Ledjmet East field, operated by a JV featuring Italian oil firm Eni and Sonatrach.
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