Petroleum Developments in North Africa in 1974

Abstract

During 1974, the total area covered by exploration rights in the 6 countries reviewed in this report increased from about 1.5 million to 2.5 million sq km, mainly owing to the award of rights in Sudan and in Libya. A significant event of the year was the award of deep-water rights in the Mediterranean off Morocco and Libya. Seismic activity increased by about 20%, as did wildcat drilling. During the year, 77 wells were completed (66 in 1973). About 12 wells were reported as discoveries; 3 in Algeria, 1 in Egypt, 3 in Tunisia, and possibly 6 in Libya; 4 of these discoveries were offshore wells, 3 in Tunisia and 1 in Egypt. All were reported as oil discoveries, except 1 gas well in Tunisia. Development drilling also increased in 1974. But crude oil production was down 20.3% from the previous year and averaged 2,807,110 BOPD compared with 3,522,000 in 1972. The most impressive decrease was recorded in Libya (-30%). No figures were disclosed on the gas production, which probably averaged 1.6 MMCFD. The only significant event was the putting on stream of the Abu Maadi gas field which is the first field to go into operation in Egypt, production 105 MMCFD with reserves estimated at 20,000 million cu m (0.7 Tcf).