Petroleum Developments in North Africa in 1965

Abstract

Exploration in the North African countries of Algeria, Egypt (U.A.R.), Libya, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia during 1965 resulted in the discovery of 17 new oil fields and 2 new gas fields (Fig. 1). Two divergent trends were evident during the year: oil production posted successive quarterly increases while exploration activity declined. Oil production averaged 1,906,000 b/d in 1965, 23% more than in 1964. Comparable gains in oil production are expected in 1966. Geophysical activity was down 17% with 458 party-months in the field. Surface geologic work declined 33% to 84 party-months. Of all North African exploration activity, about 43% of the pre-drilling work and 76% of the exploratory drilling were in Libya. Changes in Libya highly affected the cumulative results in North Africa. Exploration effort increased in Egypt (U.A.R.) and Tunisia. Of the 180 exploratory wells drilled, 28 were completed for oil and 7 for gas. Exploratory drilling declined 23.1%. There were 322 development wells drilled during 1965, 3 more than in 1964; 89% were completed successfully for oil or gas.