Petroleum Developments in Central and Southern Africa in 1976

Abstract

This review presents information on the petroleum exploration and production activities during 1976 in 45 countries or provinces of Africa. Petroleum was produced in 5 countries with a total production of 897,220,937 bbl (2.4 million b/d), a 12% increase from the 1975 production level. Production increases were recorded in Congo, 11%, and in Nigeria, 16%. Total annual gas production increased 13% to 737,918 MMcf (2,022 MMCFGD). Surface exploration work decreased by 38% to 170.6 party-months including 132.1 party-months of seismic, 26.0 gravity, 0.5 geology, 3.5 magnetometer, 5.5 structure drilling, and 3.0 photogeology. A total of 231 wells was drilled, a decrease of 116 (33%) from the 1975 figure. Exploratory drilling decreased by 44% to 70; 25 of the exploratory wells were discoveries, a success rate of 36%. New-field discoveries were reported in Cameroun, Chad, Gabon, Nigeria, and Zaire. A total of 16 unsuccessful wildcats was drilled in 6 other countries. Development drilling amounted to 161 wells in Angola, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, and Zaire, with an 88% success rate. Total wildcat and development footage was 2,250,263 (685,880 m). At year end 24 rigs were operating.