The exploration company, Tullow Oil, has reported mixed results in a drilling programme update from Bangladesh and Senegal. Tullow's Reju No 1 exploration well offshore in Bangladesh is in the process of being plugged and abandoned at a depth of 4,417 metres. This was the first well of two large blocks drilled by Tullow, and Mr Aidan Heavey, chief executive of the company, said valuable technical information had been gained from it. Meanwhile, in Senegal, the Ecole No 1 well reached the forecast depth this month and, due to what the company described as encouraging gas shows, a 10.5 metre thick zone has been selected for completion and testing.

There was little change in the share price on foot of the announcement, with Tullow closing at 107 cents, down 1 cent, in Dublin.