Oil From Dutch

N. Guinea

First 4,000,000 Gallons Arrive In Australia

IN January, 1950, the first shipment of 4 million gallons of crude oil left the new oilfield at Sorong, at the western end of Dutch New Guinea, for the Vacuum Oil Co.’s refinery at Altona near Melbourne.

This oilfield was discovered in 1939; was left alone during the war period; but is now in active production. It pro duces an oil called “Klamono Crude” which, under refinement, gives 7i per cent, petrol, 20 per cent, high-grade diesel oil, 30 per cent, bitumen and 42i per cent, light and heavy lubricants.

In an official statement on Feb ruary 12, the Vacuum Oil Co. said that this oil from New Guinea would meet at least 14 per cent, of Australia’s crude-oil needs and, as it would not re quire dollars, it was a new economic factor of first-rate importance.

Australian motorists will be receiving New Guinea petrol within a few weeks.

The Vacuum Co. said that a second re finery, costing £1,000,000 or more, would be built in Australia as soon as the Sorong production justified it.