Shell announces new natural gas discoveries in Egypt's Western Desert

[CAIRO] Royal Dutch Shell announced on Wednesday new natural gas discoveries in a concession area of north Alam El-Shawish in Egypt's western desert.

The initial quantities discovered were estimated at about half a trillion cubic feet of gas with more possible reserves, Aidan Murphy, country chairman and managing director, Shell Egypt, said in a statement.

The discovery could produce from 10 to 15 per cent of the total production of Badr el-Din Petroleum company, which is a joint venture acting on behalf of the state-owned Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and Shell in production operations, Mr Murphy added.

Shell owns the license of the entire area, which includes the well. Badr el-Din is expected to manage the operations.

REUTERS