This output increase has become feasible as the result of the construction of two new С-2 pipelines laid from Gissarneftegaz’s fields to the gas recycling units (“Shurtan GRU-2”) at the Shurtan gas processing plant, founder of the venture Zeromax said.

The first 43.5km long, 530mm-diameter pipeline, Nishan - Shurtan GRU-2, was built to extend the Nishan SP-3 header to the Shurtan GRU-2 unit.

The second one, an 11km long penstock branch, connects the Beshkent field with the Nishan-Shurtan GRU-2 pipeline.

The construction and installation of these pipelines were undertaken by Neftgasmontazh LLC JV and the feasibility project was made by Neft Gaz Sanoat Loyikha JV. Construction commenced on 3 September 2008 and was completed within a 35-day period.

Further to the commissioning of these two new sections, the flow rate of the whole gas transporting system laid from the JV’s fields to Shurtan gas processing plant has increased to 24.5 Million cubic meters a day (С-1 + С-2) compared to the previous 12.5 million cubic meters (С-1) a day.

As soon as well production is adjusted, pipelines filled, and the Kamashi-1 and Shakarbulak-26 (50 tonnes a day each) oil wells put into operation, Gissarneftegaz’s daily output is expected to increase to 17.5 million cubic meters of natural gas, 450 tonnes of oil and 1,451 tonnes of gas condensate by the end of this week.

Commissioning of well No 37 and well No 44 in the Northern Nishan field will soon make it possible to increase gas recovery by 1 million cubic meters and gas condensate by 60 tonnes; when the drilling of the new holes is completed by the beginning of November, Gissarneftegas JV’s gas recovery is expected to reach a daily 20 million cubic meters.