North Bahariya Petroleum Company (NORPETCO) has completed its first development well under its fiscal year (FY) 2026/2027 drilling program, reaching the target depth four days ahead of schedule and saving an estimated $250,000.

The Abrar-98 well, located in the company’s Western Desert concession, reached its final depth in just nine days, compared with the planned 13 days, according to the company’s statement.

During a recent visit to the company’s fields, Salah Abdel Kerim, CEO of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), reviewed drilling operations and stressed the importance of accelerating execution while maintaining occupational health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards and cost discipline to meet drilling and production targets.

NORPETCO attributed the achievement to careful well planning, optimal well design, and the application of modern drilling technologies, which reduced non-productive time (NPT) to zero and increased drilling efficiency. The company also lowered costs by repairing and reusing worn drill bits.

It added that continuous operational monitoring, timely decision-making, and close coordination among field teams enabled the well to be completed safely and efficiently, reinforcing the company’s efforts to support Egypt’s production growth, enhance operational performance, and maximize the added value of the sector’s assets.

NORPETCO is an Egyptian joint venture (JV) between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), Sahara North Bahariya, Graystone, and INA-Nafta. Established in 2004, the company operates a 117-square-kilometer concession in the Western Desert.