In mid-November 2019, Shell suspended the new field wildcat Aster 1 in the Northeast Obaiyed block, Northern Egypt Basin.  The well, which was spudded on 4 October 2019, reached TD at 5,523 m in the Lower Jurassic Ras Qattara Formation. Shell is planning to assess the Middle Jurassic the Khatatba Formation (Safa Member) and the Ras Qattara Formation.  The Northeast Obaiyed block, which includes two minor gas discoveries (Jc 18 1 and Daruma 1A) has an area of 565 sq km. It was awarded to Shell in November 2012.
Shell suspended the new field wildcat Aster 1 in the Northeast Obaiyed block, Northern Egypt Basin. 