Bahrain National Gas Company (Banagas) and Tatweer Petroleum Company, the ambitious new oil venture of the Kingdom, are set to co-operate in ensuring no gas is wasted while drilling for oil, said a top official.

Banagas chief executive Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said flaring of precious gas had already been considerably reduced, thanks to cutting-edge technology being adopted by Tatweer.

'The gas we thus capture can be used to produce but-ane, propane and naphtha, which can be exported,' Dr Shaikh Mohammed told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

'No longer does one see flares of burning gas in the Bahrain Field and what little are seen will also be reduced considerably and gradually eliminated,' he added.

Dr Shaikh Mohammed said Banagas had recently added another feather to its cap by being awarded the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents oil and gas award for safety as well as the British Safety Council distinction.

Earlier this year, Banagas was awarded the prestigious ISO 14001:2004 certification for environmental management.

Energy Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza then said the company's occupational safety, health and environment policy were of the highest standards.

Banagas has now achieved a record seven million hours without a lost time accident since May 27, 2002.

This year, Banagas has also received a prestigious safety award from the Gas Processors Association.-TradeArabia News Service