Amu Darya oil basin output continues to rise

The activation of six new wells in the Amu Darya oil basin in Afghanistan has increased the amount of oil extracted to 1,350 metric tons a day, the ministry of mines and petroleum said.

The total number of active wells in the oil basin is now 24, the ministry added.

The Amu Darya basin, spanning Afghanistan and Tajikistan. In Afghanistan, the oil is drilled in the northern provinces of Sar-e-Pol, Jawzjan and Faryab provinces.

It is estimated that the basin contains 962 million barrels of crude oil and 52,025 billion cubic feet of natural gas, according to a 2011 assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey.

One metric ton of crude oil is equal to 7.46 barrels.

Currently there are 15 wells in the Qashqari blocks, 6 wells in the Angot blocks and 3 wells in the Agh Darya blocks. The oil is then refined by the private sector in the country.

According to the ministry further surveys are being conducted in the areas, while roads are being built and other facilities developed.

The ministry said that by the end of this year, 12 new wells will be drilled in Qashqari, 8 wells in Zamrod Sai, one well in Bazar Kami and 2 wells in Agh Darya blocks.

This will bring the total number of wells to 47 wells and daily extraction will total 3,000 tons.

Currently, 1,500 people are employed directly and indirectly in the Amu Darya basin oil field but more jobs are expected to be created over the next few months.