By Simon Kennedy
LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Premier Oil (UK:PMO 1,462, 0.00, 0.00%) said Thursday that its estimated average production for the first half of 2010 rose to 46,600 barrels of oil equivalent per day from 39,700 barrels a day a year earlier. The company said forecast production for the year remains in line with its previous guidance of around 44,000 barrels a day, taking into account the impact of planned maintenance. The average oil price realised for the first half rose to $77.9 a barrel from $52.4 a barrel a year earlier. The group said it continues to make good progress towards its 2012 target for production of 75,000 barrels a day and that the recent Catcher oil discovery will now move rapidly into development.
