In a statement to Egypt Oil&Gas, an official with the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) stated that the first natural gas production from Zohr field in the Mediterranean Sea is expected to be in December 2016.

He added that the discovery of Zohr gas field motivated foreign investors to develop existing concessions, as well as drill new oil and gas wells. The discovery has shined a spot light on Egypt’s oil and gas industry and attracted new international investors to the sector.

In related news, Eni stated that Zohr field’s original gas in place is 30tcf, after completing the drilling of the fifth well offshore Egypt. The company tested the  well by opening a 90m reservoir section to production and the well generated an output of more than 50mcf/d.