Egypt, Apache review plans to boost Western Desert production

Egypt’s Petroleum Minister Karim Badawy and Apache Corporation Chief Executive John J. Christmann IV discussed expanding oil and gas exploration in the Western Desert on Tuesday, as Egypt seeks to boost domestic production and attract more upstream investment.

Badawy and Christmann reviewed Apache’s development plans for its concession areas and the ministry’s efforts to encourage further international investment in Egypt’s upstream energy sector, the ministry said in a statement.

The minister called for accelerating Apache’s drilling programme this year while joint technical teams prepare a five-year development plan to maximise oil and natural gas production.

The two sides also reviewed Apache’s recent natural gas discovery at the deep exploratory Wanda well in the Western Desert through Khalda Petroleum Company. Initial production from the well is estimated at around 40 million standard cubic feet per day, according to the ministry.

They also discussed upgrading infrastructure and improving operational efficiency to maximise the use of existing production facilities and support higher output.

Apache is one of Egypt’s largest foreign oil and gas producers and has operated in the Western Desert for decades through its joint venture with Khalda Petroleum.

Christmann said the ministry’s efforts to settle outstanding payments owed to foreign partners had strengthened investor confidence and improved the investment climate for exploration and production. He reaffirmed Apache’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s plans to increase oil and natural gas output.