Conoco finds gas in Natuna

Conoco finds gas in Natuna

HOUSTON (Dow Jones): Conoco Indonesia Inc. made its fifth discovery this year in the block B production sharing contract area of Indonesia's South Natuna Sea.

In a press release Tuesday, the company said the Keong No. 1 exploration well, drilled to 6,300 feet, found 295 feet of natural gas zones in several reservoirs in the Arang Formation.

Conoco expects production from the Tembang field to begin in 2001. The field will provide natural gas supplies for West Natuna Gas group's Indonesia to Singapore natural gas supply contract.

Conoco Indonesia operates the South Natuna Sea Block B contract area with 40% interest. Other partners include Indonesia Petroleum's Inpex Natuna Ltd. with a 35 percent interest and Texaco Inc. (TX) with 25 percent.