BP expands gas output in Egypt’s West Nile Delta with new well start-up

British energy major BP (LSE, NYSE:BP) has started up the RW5 gas well in Egypt’s West Nile Delta (WND) project, adding around 80mn cubic feet per day of additional supply, Al Mal reported on November 2.

The increase comes alongside higher output from the RW4 well, with combined production from the two wells reaching approximately 140mn cubic feet per day since early 2025, according to the outlet. BP has been working to raise output from the Raven field, a core component of the wider WND development.

The additional volumes support Egypt’s efforts to meet domestic gas demand, with the WND project remaining an important part of national supply. The role of Egyptian gas in regional markets continues to depend on seasonal production patterns and LNG plant utilisation, which vary with local consumption requirements.

BP has contracted the Valaris DS-12 deepwater drilling rig, owned and operated by Valaris (NYSE:VAL), to drill five development and exploration wells in the Mediterranean as part of a planned expansion phase. Drilling is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with new gas expected from mid-2026, subject to final operational planning.

BP holds an 82.75% operating stake in the West Nile Delta facilities, while Harbour Energy (LSE:HBR) holds the remaining 17.25%.

In September 2025, BP signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) to evaluate potential new exploration wells in the Mediterranean at depths of 300–1,500 metres. The MoU is exploratory in nature and does not represent a final investment decision.