BP, Eni announce first gas from Egypt

First natural gas from a multimillion-dollar development off the coast of Egypt started 15 weeks ahead of schedule, British supermajor BP announced. BP and its Italian partner at energy company Eni announced that first gas started from the Seth natural gas field about 37 miles off the coast of Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea. The Italian energy company said the field could eventually produce around 169 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Eni's equity is 60 million cubic feet. BP Regional President Hesham Mekawi said the success of the Seth project prompted the company to ramp up efforts at two additional wells within the project. BP said the $334 million project came on stream 15 weeks ahead of schedule. "We look forward to continuing to play a key role in the development of Egypt's energy sector in order to help meet Egypt's growing energy demands for years to come," said Mekawi.