Carnarvon said most of this output was coming from the four recently completed wells, POE-9, NS-4, L44-H, and NS-3-D1, at a combined rate of around 2250bopd.

The L44-H appraisal well is producing 1280bopd alone, while still on test.

At the Na Sanun East oil field, the L44G-D1 and L44-G appraisal wells have been perforated and flow-tested over four and three intervals, respectively.

Preliminary testing results indicate an oil and gas charged system with tight, low permeability reservoir, with the exception of the lowest tested interval in the structurally lowest well (L44-G) that tested around 200 barrels per day of water.

The second test on L44G-D1 flowed 3-4 barrels of oil with no water; the first test was tight with no influx of any kind.

Three additional zones have been perforated above the zone that flowed minor oil with testing to start immediately. Results will be announced in the next few days.

In the southern compartment of the field, the company said the NS8-D1 deviated well had been drilled to a vertical depth of 886m.

Only about 31m of the main target reservoir was penetrated, before severe mud losses prompted Pan Orient to stop drilling.

Numerous oil shows and high mud gas readings were encountered during drilling, with test results expected in the next 10 days.

Meanwhile, Pan Orient is drilling a second deviated well, NS2-D1, ahead at a depth of 838m in the main volcanic reservoir of the southern fault compartment.

Drilling is due to be completed within the next five days and testing results are anticipated within 10 days after drilling is completed.