Test well N1, drilled to a depth of 3,049 meters, received commercial gas flows in the interval 2,387-2,396 meters.

Initial testing at a 12-mm nozzle indicated a flow rate of roughly 350,000 cubic meters a day. The company continues gas-dynamic testing to define the main parameters of the flow and the chemical characteristics of the gas.

The company will complete a field estimate of the hydrocarbon reserves at the site in the near future and will also draft proposals on the future direction of exploration work at the field.

The new field is located 15 kilometers southwest of the Shakhpakhty field being developed by the Zarubezhneftegaz-GPD Central Asia consortium. The close proximity will reduce the cost of treating gas from the new field and moving it to market.

Gazprom Zarubezhneftegaz is carrying out a number of Gazprom projects to explore for hydrocarbons outside Russia. It currently has investment projects in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam and India.