London-based explorer Indago Petroleum Ltd. and operating partner RAK Petroleum have seen the cost of drilling in the Omani desert rise $8.2 million at one well, after finding ”tectonic movements” produced “stressed” rock formations.

The 50-50-owned Al Jariy-1 well at the Jebel Hafit prospect in Block 31 is halfway through to total depth of 5,900 metres: 90 days of drilling will re-start once a rig overhaul is ready.

The well was planned to be high-temperature, high-pressure test until movements in the earth’s crust “provoked” two sidetracks at 2,000 m.