An independent consultant carried out a pressure test of the field’s producing Ja3a well two months ago as part of a planned monitoring program.

Test analysis increased the original gas-in-place estimate from between 1.5 and 1.7 billion cubic feet to 3.8-4.0 billion cubic feet, of which up to 80% could be recovered over the life of the field, according to Carpathian.

“The total amount of gas recovered will depend on future production rates and economic conditions,” Carpathian director Douglas Jendry said.

“However, the gas price in Europe continues to be robust and there are many indications that the upward trend will continue.”

Drilled in April 2004, the Ja3a well encountered thick gas-bearing sand with a net gas column of about 33 feet (10m). The initial reserve estimate was made following a 10-day test of the well.

Following completion of a gas plant and pipeline, production from the field started in October last year. The Janovice field is currently producing 1.06 million cubic feet of gas per day.

Carpathian holds a 60% interest in the Janovice field and operator Unigeo holds the remaining stake.

The joint venture has been contracted to deliver contracted to deliver €1,054,000 ($A1.7 million) worth of gas sales in 2006 – five times the gas sold last year.