BP finds gas offshore Egypt

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CAIRO, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- British energy company BP said two discoveries of natural gas were made in the shallow waters off the coast of Egypt.

The company said samples taken from the Taurt North and Seth South plays in the North El Burg offshore concession area in the Nile Delta confirmed the presence of natural gas.

President and General Manager for BP's Egyptian Division Hesham Mekawi said the discovery demonstrates an ongoing commitment to working with the new Egyptian government to bolster the growth of the country's natural gas business.

"The discoveries show our commitment to develop the remaining potential of the shallow reservoirs within the Nile Delta and make the best use of the existing infrastructure," he added.

The U.S. Energy Department's Energy Information Administration states that proven natural gas reserves in 2012 in Egypt were the third highest in Africa at around 77 trillion cubic feet, a 31 percent increase from level the year prior to the country's revolution.

BP said the discoveries represent the third and fourth for the concession in shallow waters.