The Economic Deputy Office of the Prime Minister has announced the activation of 25 new oil wells in the Amu Darya oil field, projecting that daily oil extraction in the region will increase to 3,000 tons. This development aims to bolster Afghanistan’s oil production capabilities and enhance domestic processing efforts, Tolonews reported.
Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, provided insights into the current situation, stating that there are presently 24 active wells in the Amu Darya basin, which yield approximately 1,300 tons of oil daily. He emphasized that all extracted oil is processed within Afghanistan, supporting local industries and reducing reliance on imports.
"At present, we have 24 active wells that extract about 13.5 tons of oil," Fitrat noted. "The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum plans to activate 25 more wells by the end of this year. This includes 18 new drillings, 2 exploratory wells, and 5 rehabilitated wells."
Despite the optimistic outlook, economic experts urge careful planning for the drilling of new wells and highlight the importance of attracting foreign investment for oil processing. Abdul Zahoor Madaber, an economic analyst, expressed concerns regarding the lack of modern machinery for resource processing.
"Afghanistan is potentially rich in natural resources, but unfortunately, we do not have modern machinery to process these resources. There is a need to cooperate with other countries for the import of processing equipment," he stated.
Similarly, Mohammad Asif Stanekzai, another economic expert, pointed out the broader economic benefits of improved oil production.
"The production and processing of natural resources can create job opportunities and have a positive impact on reducing inflation in Afghanistan," he said.
According to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, Afghanistan currently meets only 10% of its oil needs from domestic sources. The planned expansion in the Amu Darya Basin could enhance the country’s self-sufficiency in oil production, provided that investments in modern processing facilities and equipment are made.
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