“The results are from tests of two of three gas zones encountered in the deviation well during recent drilling, with the third zone to be tested today,” Po Valley chief executive Michael Masterman said.

Results from testing of the third level – PL2C – are due this week.

But Sillaro-1d, 25 kilometres east of Bologna, has so far delivered a gas flow of 4 million cubic feet per day on a quarter-inch choke from the newly discovered level, PL2A, and a gas flow of 3.5 million cubic feet per day on a 5/16 inch choke from the target level, PL2B .

”This is nearly three times higher than the historic flow rates tested by Eni in the PL2B level in the nearby Budrio-2 well,” Masterman said.

“Further reservoir delineation and evaluation is required but these results form a strong base to take Sillaro into production.”

Po Valley opted earlier this month to flow test the three zones following positive petrophysical evaluation of well log results.

These showed a series of thick and thin bed sands over nearly 100 metres, between the 2160m to 2257m (measured depth) interval.

The gas bearing zones covered the target zone - PL2B from 2218m to 2238m, an immediately deeper zone - PL2A – from 2239m to 2257m and a shallower zone – PL2C from 2160m down to potentially to 2197m.