The fourth 76 Rosetti natural gas well, part of the Caragele project unfolding in Buzau and Braila counties, has reached a record drilled depth of 5,256 metres and is expected to enter production at the beginning of the second quarter of 2026. The Caragele deposit is estimated to supply around 4% of national gas production in the winter of 2026 – 2027.

The Caragele field lies within the perimeter operated by National Gas Company Romgaz. According to the Ministry of Economy, the fifth extension of the exploration phase is underway until October 9, 2027, and two wells are scheduled for commissioning in 2026.

The Ministry notes that the Caragele structure has two productive levels: a shallow zone down to 3,500 m, and a deep zone below 4,000 m, where hydrocarbon accumulations were confirmed in 2015 – 2016. Commercial exploitation of the deep zone began in 2019. The 76 Rosetti well is the fourth deep well and has set a depth record for Romgaz.

Deep-zone operations face significant technical challenges, including difficult drilling conditions and variable reservoir characteristics requiring different extraction systems. Romgaz plans to drill 10 deep wells unconditionally, with at least three more depending on results.

Production infrastructure in the Caragele area includes production and injection wells and technological groups. A project is also underway to expand and modernise the system with two new technological groups, a new 1 million m³/day gas transport and treatment capacity, and a low-temperature liquid hydrocarbon separation unit at the Galbenu drying station, scheduled for commissioning in Q2 2027.

Investments of 250 million RON are planned for 2026.

The Caragele deposit spans several localities and is one of the most productive assets in the portfolio of Romgaz, a company listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.