Indaw region test well producing 4.32 million cubic feet of natural gas per day Prime Minister stresses need to continue drilling work as scheduled

Yangon, 18 Feb - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party inspected Indaw region crude oil exploration project in Mawlaik Township, Sagaing Division, yesterday afternoon, after visiting Salingyi Textile Factory. They were accompanied by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye. At the project site, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi reported to the Prime Minister on the location of the project, history of oil exploration in Indaw region, geological condition of the region and prospects, the geological survey conducted by the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise in the region, road construction, provision of heavy machinery and drilling machines, and test wells No 1, 2 and 3 in the region.

The minister also said at a depth of 6,500 feet the No 1 test well is producing 4.32 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. The No 2 well yields only salty water. The No 3 well will be drilled up to 6,000 feet, and up to now, digging has reached 757 feet underground. Arrangements are under way to calculate the potential yield of oil and gas in the region after the completion of the drilling of test wells. He then explained the prospects and production of oil and gas fields all around Myanmar and arrangements to extend drilling work at prospective oil and gas fields. Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attended to the needs, speaking of the need to continue the drilling work as scheduled. He cordially met with members of social organizations in Mawlaik Township. Accompanied by officials, the Prime Minister observed the drilling of the No 3 well. The Prime Minister and party posed for photo together with the project staff in front of the test well. On arrival at the project, they were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Than Htay, Brig-Gen Khin Maung Aye of Kale Station, members of Mawlaik District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel, members of social organizations and staff of the project.