TAG Oil, the Canadian oil and gas exploration company, has reached the targeted Abu Roash Formation (ARF) reservoir at Badr Oil Field (BED-1) in the Western Desert after drilling its T-200 well to 4,102 meters (m). Test results for the initial production are expected in late October 2026, noted a press release by the company.

The well intersected top of the targeted reservoir at 4,100 m, in line with geological forecasts, while drilling costs remained within budget, according to the release.

TAG Oil will begin running the seven-inch liner casing string before resuming drilling through the remaining ARF section to a projected total depth of about 4,200 m. Upon reaching total depth, the company will begin completion and testing operations.

The company focuses on oil and gas operations and opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

In Egypt’s Western Desert, TAG Oil is developing the unconventional heavy oil potential of ARF in BED-1. An independent reserves evaluation indicates that the target formation may contain more than 500 million barrels  (mmbbls) of oil in place, according to the company.

In June 2026, TAG Oil mobilized a drilling rig for the T-200 well at BED-1 after completing site preparations and securing the required regulatory approvals.

The Company also has plans to explore the much larger Southeast Ras Qattara (SERQ) concession and will be resubmitting its offer following regulatory announcement of the concession’s revised terms.