Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 17, Egypt’s petroleum ministry announced Monday that Khalda Petroleum Company has achieved a new gas discovery in the Western Desert. Khalda operates concessions in Egypt on behalf of Apache Corp, and the ministry reported that initial testing from the Gomana-1 exploratory well showed an output of approximately 36 million cubic feet per day.

According to the ministry, the Gomana-1 well presented clear gas indications during electric logging. Preliminary reservoir assessments are currently in progress to confirm the well’s productive capacity and technical characteristics. The ministry added that the well is expected to be connected to the production network within two days, allowing its output to be integrated into existing infrastructure in the Western Desert.

The new discovery strengthens the resource base of Apache, the U.S.-based partner of Khalda Petroleum. The company continues to advance exploration and development activities in the region, focusing on natural gas alongside ongoing crude oil operations. The ministry highlighted that this discovery aligns with current efforts to expand gas production through coordinated exploration programs and efficient development planning.

The ministry also noted that the discovery coincides with new incentives being introduced to encourage additional investment in gas production across Khalda’s concession areas. These incentives aim to support exploration programs, speed up field development timelines, and enhance overall production performance in the Western Desert.

The announcement emphasizes the importance of strengthening the region’s gas portfolio as part of broader efforts to develop domestic energy resources. Khalda’s exploration activities, conducted in partnership with Apache, remain a central component of this strategy. The ministry stated that the successful initial results from Gomana-1 demonstrate the potential for further resource additions and contribute to ongoing development momentum in the area.

The upcoming integration of the Gomana-1 well into the production grid is expected to support stable supply operations and reinforce Khalda’s established track record in managing exploration and development programs in the Western Desert. The ministry underscored that reservoir evaluations and follow-up testing will continue to ensure reliable performance and accurate assessment of long-term production prospects.

The discovery marks another step in Khalda’s broader plan to expand its gas output through new wells and targeted exploration campaigns across its concession zones. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to facilitate operational efficiency, secure investment, and expand available natural gas resources through structured exploration, development, and production initiatives.