TAG Oil Ltd. (TSXV: TAO | OTCQB: TAOIF | FSE: T0P) announced that its T-200 exploration well at the Badr Oil Field (BED-1) in Egypt's Western Desert has reached a final total depth of 4,160 metres, targeting the Abu Roash "F" (ARF) reservoir. Preliminary interpretation of drilling data, mud logs, and wireline logs indicates the presence of an oil-bearing ARF reservoir, featuring encouraging porosity, hydrocarbon shows, and evidence of natural fracture development. The company states it intends to proceed immediately with completion and testing operations, with initial production test results expected later this month. Investors focused on Canadian-listed oil exploration stocks in the Middle East and North Africa region may be watching this development closely.

Key Points

  • TAG Oil Ltd. (TSXV: TAO | OTCQB: TAOIF | FSE: T0P) is a Canadian-based international oil and gas exploration company focused on the Middle East and North Africa.
  • The T-200 well at the BED-1 concession in Egypt's Western Desert has reached total depth at 4,160 metres, with preliminary logs indicating an oil-bearing ARF reservoir.
  • The ARF interval spans 58 metres of limestone between 4,102 and 4,160 metres depth, with preliminary log interpretation indicating 14 metres of net oil pay, average porosity of 8% (up to 10%), and natural fracture development.
  • Investors should watch for initial production test results, which the company expects to release later this month.

T-200 ARF Reservoir Interval: Porosity and Net Pay Highlights

The ARF interval encountered by the T-200 well comprises 58 metres of limestone between 4,102 and 4,160 metres depth. Preliminary log interpretation indicates 14 metres of net oil pay, with average porosity of 8% reaching up to 10%, alongside favourable permeability characteristics the company attributes to natural fracture development. TAG Oil notes that these preliminary interpretations are based on data acquired during drilling and remain subject to further analysis and revision. The release cautions that preliminary results are not necessarily indicative of commercial quantities of hydrocarbons or future production rates.

Completion and Testing Operations to Begin Immediately at BED-1

Following the confirmation of total depth, TAG Oil announced it intends to proceed immediately with completion and testing operations at the T-200 well. Initial production test results are expected later in October 2026. Executive Chairman and CEO Abby Badwi described the successful on-budget drilling of T-200 as an important milestone for the company's BED-1 development programme. The company stated it will report further results following completion and testing, though no specific production rate guidance or reserve estimates were disclosed in the announcement.

Strategic Significance of T-200 for TAG Oil's BED-1 Development Programme

TAG Oil describes the T-200 well as central to its broader BED-1 development programme at Egypt's Western Desert concession. The company's focus on the MENA region positions it among a small group of Canadian-listed junior explorers operating in that geography. The immediate share price impact was not clear from available public information. As with all hydrocarbon exploration, investors should note that the company cautions geological conditions are variable, and there is no assurance that commercial production will result from positive preliminary log results.