The drilling includes the Shefu-1 well, which intersected the pay structurally lower than what has been encountered in previous appraisal drilling at Cuisinier.

The Canadian explorer said the near-field wildcat exploration well on the on the western flank of PL 303 was 3.6km west of the nearest Cuisinier development well, Cuisinier-17.

Shefu-1 encountered 8.1m of gross sand with 7m of net pay exhibiting normal gradient, virgin pressure.

Bengal's internal estimates suggest that Shefu-1 has the potential to materially increase the Cuisinier area oil-in-place and reserves, given that the Murta reservoir in the area is well outside of its booked 1P, 2P and 3P reserves areas.

The well has also increased the lowest known oil in the surrounding ATP 752.

Shefu was drilling a 3D mapped feature that was considered to be about 17m above the lowest known oil off the established producing trend

A successful Murta test at Shefu-1 could unlock an 8sq.km for future development, the company had estimated prior to the drilling.

"While further testing is needed to illustrate the full production potential from the Shefu-1 well, expanding the known oil in place at Cuisinier further confirms the excellent new reserves potential and supports our overall plan to continue developing the multiple commercial finds at the Barta permit," Bengal CEO Chayan Chakrabarty said.

The latest program involved four development/appraisal locations and Shefu.

Three of the development wells were located in the central/south part of the Cuisinier field area primarily targeting the Murta Sandstone and directly offsetting Murta oil producers.

The rig is now drilling the Cuisinier-24 development well.

Completion and pipeline connection of Shefu and all the Cuisinier wells from the latest campaign is expected to occur early in the new year.

Bengal shares the Barta Block with New Hope Corporation's Bridgeport Energy (15%) and operator Santos (54.65%).