Irish company Petroceltic International has struck gas at the onshore Illizi basin in Algeria.

The AT-6 appraisal well in the Isarene permit tapped gas from the Ordovician reservoir at a depth of more than 2,000 metres.

“Initial results from the AT-6 well are very encouraging and increase the proven area of the Ain Tsila field considerably to the south-east with this large step-out,” says Brian O’Cathain, chief executive officer, Petroceltic.

The company is the operator of the Isarene permit, holding a majority stake. State-owned Sonatrach holds 25 per cent and Italy’s Enel holds less than 20 per cent of the permit.