The Woodside news sparked a share surge from $10.85 to $11.62 on renewed takeover speculation.

On the coal bed methane front, QGC installed some gutsier pumps which increased gas production but also sucked some of the coal into the pumps, gumming them up. Workovers are being planned. The Kiwis are releasing a further 6 CBM permits also.

Staying on the far side of the Tasman, the Crown said it would be selling its Kupe stake - probably to OMV or Swift Energy. The Kahili partners increased their reserves levels and Swift's NZ production more than compensated for a drop in its US production.

In drilling news, Empire's Eclipse well has finally spudded in the onshore southern Perth Basin, the offshore Montgomery well has encountered hydrocarbon shows as it progresses to target depth. Woodside's Gnarlyknots well has kicked off in 1300 metres of Great Southern Ocean.

Amity Oil also spudded another well in Turkey while Novus hopes for better luck as it drills its first US operated well.

In the markets, InterOil's partner in the current Moose well topped up its exposure to PNG while Longreach Oil's long suffering non-renounceable issue was extended yet again. It was supposed to close in November.

Czech-focussed Carpathian Resources is raising cash to buy some production assets in the central European country while Amadeus is looking at getting into Mississippi.

Long serving OD&E MD Ken Skirka retired with current CFO Ken Picard assuming the driver's seat.