The company has said seven wells may be drilled now instead of the earlier proposed five, subject to JV approval.

However the company said “difficulty in acquiring casing, as well as the general lack of rig slots due to a significant increase drilling activity” and drilling work is not expected to begin until some time in June for PEL 115, with work on PEL 104 and 111 to follow after.

According to Impress, which has a 15% stake in all three blocks, the drilling of the four wells in PEL 115 is still awaiting approval, work commitment for 2004 is only two wells.

“Drilling in PEL104/111 will probably commence after the PEL 115 wells have been completed. However as there may be the requirement of a larger rig for the PEL 111 prospects there is the possibility that, if a rig slot was available, drilling could be held concurrently,” added Impress.