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