Muscat: Oil & gas giant British Petroleum (BP), in partnership with OQ, PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), Petronas and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, has announced that it has geared up its production from the Block 61 gas field in central Oman.

Gas production has increased to 1.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d), from prior levels of 1 bcf/d. BP-operated Block 61 was developed in two stages – Khazzan, that began production in 2017, and Ghazeer, that commenced operations last year. It is a high-quality, highly efficient development, designed from the outset to incorporate a number of lower emissions technologies.

BP Oman president Yousuf al Ojaili commented, “BP is building a balanced portfolio that will continue to generate both cash and value as we transform from an international oil company to an integrated energy company. A core part of this strategy is our resilient and focused hydrocarbons business, of which Block 61 is an excellent example, offering stable, long-term returns.”

In addition, he stated, “We are committed to supporting the sustainable development of Oman’s economy and are proud of our strategic partnership with the Sultanate. Gas from Block 61 is a key part of the integrated energy value chain and will play a core role in Oman’s future development. We appreciate the collaborative support we have received from the Oman government and our partners in delivering this increase in production.”

With an estimated 10.5 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources, Block 61 supplies over 30% of Oman’s total gas demand.