The UK’s Emerald Energy says production from its Khurbet East field in northeast Syria has reached 16,400 barrels a day (b/d). This increases total reserves to more than 4.5 million barrels.

In May 2009, the company said it hoped to increase output from 10,800 b/d to 16,000 b/d by the end of 2009.

This follows an assessment by RPS Energy Group of the UK. It shows the company’s Block 26 concession, which includes the Khurbet East field, has 35.4 million barrels of proven reserves, up from earlier estimates of 19.4 million barrels.

The UK’s Gulfsands Petroleum is the operator of the block under an exploration and production-sharing contract with Syria’s Oil & Gas Ministry.

Emerald holds a 50 per cent share in the block and Gulfsands owns the balance.