Oil production in the central African state, which peaked at 185,000 bpd in the mid-1980s, averaged around 65,000 bpd in 2011 due to maturing oil fields.

"The progress at Baf 3 is a clear indication that we are very likely going to meet our target of increasing total national production to at least 100,000 bpd in 2012," said the official of the National Hydrocarbons Corporations (SNH), who asked not to be named.

Denis Clerc-Renaud, director-general of Perenco Cameroon, which became the leading oil operator in the country after taking over Total E&P operations in April 2011, said the firm will be focusing on reopening wells and improving production techniques.

Parenco's other assets in Cameroon include the Dissoni oil field in the Rio Del Rey basin close to the Nigerian boarder, due to come onstream in the second half of 2012, and the Moudi and Ebome Marine concessions in the Douala/Kribi-Campo basin.

"One of our target is to start the Dissoni field. Heavier works will begin soon and production start date should be as we have said, that is around August 2012," Clerc-Renaud said.

The development of the two Dissoni onshore oilfields could raise Perenco country output by at least 25,000 bpd, bringing the firm's total production to 75,000-80,000 bpd.