A statement yesterday said: “The cement bond log run after the 7 inch production casing was set showed a possible lack of cement bond over the gas pay zone.

“The contractor, at their [sic] expense, are [sic] currently establishing if a bond is present and if not will perform remedial work to establish a cement bond such that proper gas testing and production can take place.

Carpathian's subsidiary Nord Gas sro will receive a A$150,000 refund. It said the zone would be perforated, the rig would be removed and production testing will commence.

The Ja3 discovery was made during Communist times and the recent appraisal well, Ja3a, gave a far better result than was originally prognosed.

"Considering the substantial thickness of the gas zone (33 metres) and the excellent permeability and porosity of the sands, Carpathian expects a very successful test and good flow rates," said the company.

*The author owns Carpathian shares.