Algeria said on 1 August that it started crude output from both of the two fields slated to come onstream this year. Bir Seba and Bir El Msana (BMS), both in the Berkine Basin, together add 32,000 b/d of output.
Although state press agency APS implies an immediate boost of this magnitude, production ramp up will typically take several months. By the end of 2015 the additional output will likely do no more than compensate for dwindling volumes elsewhere, including Algeria’s ageing Hassi Messaoud field. Current total output of 1.11mn b/d is down 50,000 b/d on year ago levels (see p14). (CONTINUED - 357 WORDS)
