BP normalizing Java gas operation

BP normalizing Java gas operation

SINGAPORE: The Indonesian unit of BP PLC (BP) is working toward normalizing its Pagerungan natural gas operations in East Java after a mechanical problem prompted the producer to shut five wells for at least three days, a company said Tuesday.

A problem with the hydraulic line, linked to five gas producing wells, detected "Thursday or Friday" prompted BP to shut the wells as a safety precaution, said Budiman Parhusip, vice president for BP's East Java gas marketing.

The affected wells were earlier repaired after a gas leakage late December, Budiman said.

Current gas production from all 14 Pagerungan wells is pegged at 150 million standard cubic feet a day, and it is expected to rise back up to 180 mmscf/d in "two to three days," he said.

The shut-in had reduced gas supply to 100 mmscf/d over the weekend, he said. BP is still conducting well inspections after resuming operations Monday at the five wells, he added. -- Dow Jones