Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Egypt has reported a crude oil discovery in the Sinai
Peninsula.

The Egyptian Petroleum Ministry has reported an oil discovery estimated
at 5.5 million barrels in southern Sinai. The ministry said Belayim
Petroleum Co. began production that reached 2,270 barrels earlier this month.

The discovery took place 40 kilometers south of Abu Rudais City at a
well that reached nearly three kilometers.

Officials said this marked the
first oil discovery in Sinai since 1956.

Officials said the ministry has long sought energy in Sinai, the route
of the Arab Gas Pipeline to Israel and Jordan. They said energy efforts have
focused in the Gulf of Suez and the Western Desert.

  Abu Rudais City, Arab Gas Pipeline, Egypt reports first oil find in Sinai Peninsula since 1956, Egyptian Petroleum Ministry, Gulf of Suez, Western Desert