This week, appraisal well Kairi-2, which is located south of Kairi-1, hit hydrocarbon bearing sands said to include 50 metres of net oil play and 132m of net gas pay. The well flowed oil at a rate of 4,360 bpd on a 44/64 inch choke.

BHPB petroleum division president and CEO, Mr Phillip Aiken, said the results from the well provided further evidence of offshore Trinidad's major hydrocarbon development potential.

The well is located in permit Block 2(c) in which BHPB has a 45 per cent stake. Other stakeholders include TotalFinaElf (30%) and Talisman Energy (25%).