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Monday, 21 July, 2008, 00:40 GMT | more prices >>

Sound pens red letter to Citarum partners



By Russell Searancke 

UK explorer Sound Oil said it has served default notices to its partners in the Citarum production sharing contract in Indonesia linked to $5.9 million in unpaid cash calls.

The company said the defaulting parties were operator Bumi Parahyangan Ranhill Energia Citarum and Bumi Parahyangan Energi, which own 60% and 20% interests, respectively, in the onshore block.

Sound said the default took effect from midnight on 17 March.

If after 60 days the defaulting parties have not cured their default in all respects, they will forfeit their interests to the non-defaulting party, Sound's local subsidiary Mitra Energia.

Gerry Orbell, Sound Oil's chairman, said: "Sound has been very sympathetic and understanding to the difficulties faced by its partners in paying their share of the Citarum cash calls. The majority of these calls relate to contractors who are claiming money for services supplied in drilling last year's Pasundan well.

"We undertook this serious action of default only after other alternatives which had been under negotiation were not realised, and when it was evident that the approved seismic work programme for 2008 was not occurring because of unpaid cash calls by the defaulting parties.

"We intend to work with partners and contractors to resolve this situation amicably while at the same time protecting our shareholders' interests.

"As a result of the potential increased financial exposure relating to this default, Sound is making a strategic review of its assets," he said.


Wednesday, 19 March, 2008, 00:45 GMT  | last updated: Wednesday, 19 March, 2008, 00:59 GMT

Fellow travelers: but UK-based Sound Oil is demanding payment from its partners in Indonesia's Citarum PSC
 

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