Oilex said preliminary indications while drilling were that the target Sihapas sands were intersected as expected, while the potential oil zones were located at depths similar to the nearby Pendalian-1 well.

A wireline logging program is now being carried out in Pendalian-3, which was drilled to a planned total depth of 748m.

Once this is completed, the well will be cased and a comprehensive 14-day multi-zone testing program undertaken.

Participants in the West Kampar PSC are: PT Sumatera Persada Energi (operator and 55%) and Oilex (45%).

Meanwhile, Oilex has drilled its Bhandut-2Z sidetrack in India to the planned core point at a depth of 1024.8m and has cut a 9m core that will provide porosity, permeability and oil saturation information over the target Miocene G sand.

Preparations are underway to resume drilling to a total depth of 1083m following which wireline logs will be run.

This may lead to testing of the well and a decision on completing the well for production.

Oilex holds a 40% stake in the Bhandut Production Sharing Contract, while co-venturer Gujurat State Petroleum Corporation has 60%.