BP, which pumps around 60% of Egypt's gas output with partners, has started natural gas production from the Qattameya field in the North Damietta offshore concession in the eastern part of the Nile River Delta.

The field is expected to produce up to 50 MMcf/d, BP said Oct. 26 in a statement, without providing a timeframe. BP is working on the field through its joint venture, Pharaonic Petroleum Co., with state-owned Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Co. The Qattameya discovery was announced in 2017 and is part of BP's 100% interest in the North Damietta offshore concession in the East Nile Delta. Gas produced from the field is directed to Egypt's national grid.

BP produces Egypt's gas through Pharaonic Petroleum, and Petrobel in the East Nile Delta as well as through BP's operated West Nile Delta fields, according to its website.

BP was supposed to deliver 900,000 boe/d of gas production by 2021 from Egypt and other investments, former group CEO Bob Dudley said in a Feb. 11, 2019, statement.