Pertamina-PetroChina Cuts Output To Meet Gas Flare Rule

The oil production of the joint operating body (JOB) Pertamina-PetroChina East Java has been reduced by 3,000 barrels of oil per day in order to meet the gas flare target of a maximum of 14 million cubic feet per day, in line with the Law on Environment, said Chairman of the upstream oil and gas regulatory body BPMigas Raden Priyono Monday.

He however did not disclose the current production level of the JOB. But, on February 24, President Director of PT Pertamina EP Cepu, Haposan Napitupulu said as of the date, the JOB Pertamina-PetroChina has slashed oil production to 41,000 bopd from its capacity (normal production) of 48,500 bpd.

The oil produciton of the Kangean field has also been reduced by up to 2,500 bpd as it only produced water. Oil production of the Kodeco oil field has also been reduced by 4,000 bpd.

Pertamina also said it is expanding its overseas market for its downstream oil products, including aviation fuel (Avtur) and oil fuel. The company is planning to open gas stations in Malaysia and Australia, said Pertamina Marketing and Commercial Director, Djaelani Sutomo.

Priyono also said that the average oil production in the first two months of this year has reached 951,000 bpd, far below the 2010 State Budget assumption of 965,000 bpd. Average production in February alone was quite encouraging, at 959,000 bpd, just below the State Budget target. (Ferdy Hasiman)

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