Mexico’s Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) reports a test well in an offshore deposit in the Veracruz state, the Lankahuasa, is yielding dry gas production of 15.4 MMcf/d. The Lankahuasa is one of three newly discovered sources of non-associated natural gas announced in March by Pemex.

Pemex said it drilled the first well to obtain information about the characteristics of the Veracruz continental shelf. A production test at the well produced 15.4 MMcf/d of sweet gas, containing 98% methane. Pemex also has identified another 30 exploratory possibilities in Lankahuasa. The adjacent Lamprea region holds about 74, said Pemex.

Mexican officials said in March that the new gas fields of Lankahuasa, Playuela and Hap may boost gas reserves in the country by 25%. Total dry gas reserves, including proven, probable and possible reserves, stood at 50.6 Tcf as of Jan.1, down from 55.5 Tcf at the end of 2000.

Currently, the Mexican state-operated oil monopoly produces approximately 4.5 Bcf/d. However, by 2006, Pemex wants to increase its production to 5.9 Bcf/d. Pemex also expects to add another 1 Bcf/d under multiple service contracts it plans to begin tendering sometime this year.

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