Interfax cited Mr Felix Yakhshibekov deputy head of drilling as saying that Surgutneftegas drilled a total of 3.915 million meters in 2009.

He said that "The company had 46 drilling teams in operation in Western Siberia last year and 10 in the Republic of Sakha. Ten of 16 teams from the exploration operations division were engaged in building exploration wells. Total penetration for the year will equal 3.915 million meters."

He added that in 2010, production drilling alone is slated to total 3.946 million meters.

As per report, if that target is achieved, Surgutneftegas will post yet another annual increase in production drilling. Surgutneftegas had planned to increase production drilling last year 3.6% to 3.44 million meters. It planned to reduce exploration drilling compared with 2008 and increase production drilling.

(Sourced from Interfax)