US independent HKN is guiding for gross output from its Sarsang block in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to average a record 42,000–47,000 b/d this quarter, rising to 45,000-50,0000 b/d in 2023. This is up from year-to-date production of 29,800 b/d. The gains have come following the September start-up of a new 25,000 b/d production facility at the block’s Swara Tika field, which has doubled Sarsang capacity (MEES, 28 October).
Sarsang (HKN 62%op, Shamaran 18%, KRG 20%), now vies with the Gulf Keystone-operated Shaikan heavy oil field as the KRG’s second largest IOC-operated block behind DNO’s 110,000 b/d Tawke. The “high quality” light crude from Sarsang (API of 37-39°) commands a considerable price premium over the heavy 18° API output from Shaikan. (CONTINUED - 121 WORDS)