Eni looks set for a chunky output boost in Algeria for 2020 with the completion of a key gas pipeline connecting several fields to an underutilized central processing facility. The Italian firm says the “Berkine North & BRN-MLE Pipeline” project will eventually unlock 230mn cfd of gas and 20,000 b/d of oil output when planned plateau production is reached next year.

Development has been pretty rapid by Algerian standards. Eni signed a $400mn deal in October 2018 to take 49% of three Sonatrach blocks (containing 14 oil discoveries) located in the North Berkine basin (MEES, 2 November 2018). By mid-2019 oil production had begun (MEES, 19 July 2019). The Sif Fatima II, Zemlet El Arbi and Ourhoud II concessions are currently ramping up to their full 10,000 b/d oil capacity. (CONTINUED - 601 WORDS)