JAKARTA – The average crude production reached 978,000 barrels per day by June 15, 2008, about 101% of the target set in the state budget at 977,000 bpd, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said in Jakarta on Thursday (06/19) after meeting several production sharing contractors.
 
The meeting was a follow up from another meeting between the President and Vice President with the boards of production sharing contractors to boost oil production. Oil and Gas Director General Luluk Sumiarso and BPMIGAS Chairman R. Priyono attended the meeting.
 
Purnomo said that there are 25 oil production sharing contractor that didn't meet their production targets. Nine of them received yellow cards for being able to reach 95% of targets and 14 others got red cards for producing less than 95% than what they ought to. Twelve contractors reached their targets.
 
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said that there are several obstacles in reaching the production targets, namely rig availability, land clearing, unavailable production facilities, reservoir issues and incomplete gas infrastructure.
 
"Most of the problems are operational. Some people say that if these problems continue, the production target may not be achieved. That's why we're here, to resolve these issues," Purnomo said.
 
BPMIGAS will boost coordinations with production sharing contractors to solve the operational problems. Contractors may be suggested to buy rigs if they have problems leasing one, Priyono said.
 
"Maybe they'll have a bigger chance to buy. Besides, the impact is more long term," he said. ***