Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Crude Oil and Natural Gas Liquids Country Notes

Five sedimentary basins are known to exist in PNG. Most exploration activity, and all hydrocarbon discoveries to date, have occurred in the Papuan Basin in the southern part of the mainland. After many campaigns of exploration (starting in 1911), the first commercial discoveries were eventually made during the second half of the 1980s. Commercial production began in 1992 after an export pipeline had been built.

The level quoted for proved recoverable reserves reflects Oil & Gas Journal's unchanged estimate of 240 million barrels. The oil exported is a blend called Kutubu Light (45o API). Output in 2005 averaged 47 000 b/d.