Khalda Petroleum Company, which operates concessions in Egypt for Apache Corp, has made a new gas discovery in the Western Desert, with initial tests showing output of about 36 million cubic feet a day, the petroleum ministry announced Monday. The Gomana-1 exploratory well showed clear gas indications during electric logging, and preliminary reservoir evaluations are underway, the ministry said. The well is expected to be added to the production grid within two days. The discovery adds to the portfolio of U.S.-based Apache, Khalda's partner in the Western Desert, as the company accelerates exploration and development of gas resources alongside crude oil. It comes as the ministry rolls out new incentives aimed at boosting investment in gas production across Khalda's fields. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
