Oman has significantly increased production from its Block 61 gas field in Oman to 1.5 billion cu ft per day (bcf/d) from its current level of around 1bcf/d.

It’s expected that associated condensate production will also rise, generating value for the Sultanate and the Block 61 partnership, which includes British Petroleum (bp), OQ, PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), Petronas and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Oman News Agency reported.

Block 61 was developed in two stages: Khazzan, which began production in 2017; and Ghazeer, which saw its first gas last year. It is seen as a high-quality, highly efficient development, designed from the outset to incorporate a number of lower emissions technologies.

According to Yousuf Mohammed al-Ojaili, President of bp Oman: 'bp is building a balanced portfolio that will continue to generate both cash and value as we transform from an international oil company to an integrated energy company. A core part of this strategy is our resilient and focused hydrocarbons business, of which Block 61 is an excellent example, offering stable, long-term returns.'

'We are committed to supporting the sustainable development of Oman’s economy and are proud of our strategic partnership with the Sultanate. Gas from Block 61 is a key part of the integrated energy value chain and will play a core role in Oman’s future development. We appreciate the collaborative support we have received from the Oman government and our partners in delivering this increase in production.'

With an estimated 10.5 trillion cu ft of recoverable gas resources, Block 61 supplies over 30 per cent of Oman’s total gas demand.

Gas from the block is distributed for domestic consumption through the national gas grid and is used as fuel for power plants, and feedstock to industries and to Oman LNG.