Papers - Production - Foregin - Petroleum Developments in Peru during 1937

Peru produced approximately 17,466,620 bbl., of oil during 1937, or slightly less than the record high of 17,593,700 bbl. established during 1936. As in 1936, the entire output of the country was derived from the La Brea-Parinas, Lobitos-Restin and Zorritos fields in the northwestern part of the country. Outside of the proven areas, drilling was 'continued by the Peruvian Government in the northern province of Tumbes on the reserved zone at Zorritos. Drilling was carried out on three locations, two of which are understood to have been abandoned during the year. In southern Peru, further attention was given by Government engineers to the Pusi and Saman districts and plans are being worked out for the commencement of drilling operations in the near future in the vicinity of Pirin. Activities in the montaiia region in eastern Peru were continued by the Compafiia Petrolera El Ganso Azul. This company acquired the interest of the Selden Breck Co., and holds some 90,000 acres along the Pachitea River a few miles above its confluence with the Ucayali. During the year, the preparation of a landing place, the cutting of a 12-km. (71/2-mile) road from the river to the drill site, and the construction of a camp were undertaken. Equipment for drilling on this company's concessions has already arrived in South America. La Brea-Parinas Estate.—Production of crude oil on the La Brea-Parinas Estate of the International Petroleum Company Limited amounted to 14,722,754 bbl. during 1937, a decrease of 403,736 bbl. from the all-time high reached during 1936. The total production from 1890 to Dec. 31,1937, was 178,390,767 bbl. During 1937, a total of 141,653 ft. was drilled, 129,516 ft. in new wells and 12,137 in deepening existing wells. In all, 57 wells were completed, 47 of which produced oil, 2 were gas wells and 8 dry. holes. Twenty-nine wells were cleaned out or deepened during the year. The average depth of new wells completed during 1937 was 2367 ft. compared with 1984 ft. for the new wells completed during 1936. There was an increased use of rotary tools during the year and this method is now used to a greater extent than the cable-tool method, which formerly predominated. Of the 57 wells completed during the year, 31 were