Why did this ASX oil and gas share just explode 50%?

We take a look at this relatively new ASX energy share.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • This energy share soared 50% today before slightly retreating 
  • This comes after the company reported "outstanding exploration success" in the Bowen Basin 
  • The energy sector is climbing nearly 1% today 

The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is leaping 0.82% today but this ASX oil and gas share is soaring far higher.

The Omega Oil & Gas Ltd (ASX: OMA) share price soared 53.8% from 19.5 cents to 30 cents today before slightly pulling back. At the time of writing, Omega's shares are soaring 41% to 27.5 cents.

Let's take a look at why this ASX oil and gas share is having such a top run.

Rocket powering up and symbolising a rising share price.

Image source: Getty Images

What's going on?

Omega shares are rising today after the company reported "outstanding exploration success" in the Bowen Basin, Queensland.

Drilling at the canyon-2 well intersected 293 metres of gas and liquid hydrocarbon shows within the Kianga formation and upper Back Creek Group.

The well has reached a total depth of 3807 metres. Gas covered the entire length of the 221 thick Kianga Formation. The Kianga formation is the primary target of exploration, while the Back Creek Group is the secondary target.

Omega said the results are "extremely positive" and "exceeded expectations".

Commenting on the news, managing director Lauren Bennett said:

We are very excited with these results, and they are an excellent start to our Basin-centered gas drilling campaign.

Given the forecast gas supply shortages, finding and developing new sources of unencumbered gas is critical.

The company said drilling at Canyon-2 is ahead of schedule.

Omega first listed on the ASX in October 2022. Drilling of the canyon-2 well started on 19 March 2023.

Omega share price snapshot

The Omega share price has risen 37.5% in the last year and nearly 62% in the last month.

For perspective, the ASX 200 Energy Index has returned nearly 7% in the last year.

This ASX oil and gas share has a market cap of about $42 million based on the current share price.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

Coal miner holding a giant coal rock in his hand and making a circle with his other hand.
Energy Shares

Why the New Hope share price is sliding today as coal debate heats up

New Hope boss says coal is still needed for reliable power.

Read more »

a man in a business suit looks at a map of the world above a line up of oil barrels with a red arrow heading upwards above them, indicting rising oil prices.
Dividend Investing

If the oil price remains above US$100, Woodside shares could be raining dividends before Christmas

Surging oil prices are no fun at the petrol station, but they could be a boon for upcoming Woodside dividends.

Read more »

A wad of $100 bills of Australian currency lies stashed in a bird's nest.
Dividend Investing

Should you buy New Hope shares for passive income today?

New Hope reported on its upcoming passive income payout this morning.

Read more »

A green fully charged battery symbol surrounded by green charge lights representing the surging Vulcan share price today
Energy Shares

Why the Vulcan Energy share price is rising today

Vulcan shares are moving higher after securing a key lithium production licence in Germany.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands after seeing bad news on his laptop screen.
Earnings Results

New Hope shares crash 12% on profit crunch and big dividend cut

Let's see what the coal giant reported this morning.

Read more »

Workers at a wind farm in front of wind turbines.
Energy Shares

Why are these ASX 200 shares diving to near 52-week lows?

Investors react coolly to customer growth and falling retail sales volumes.

Read more »

Man in a business suit leaps off a boulder in front of a blue sky.
Energy Shares

How is this ASX energy share leaping 17% in Monday's sinking market?

Up 263% in a year, this ASX energy share is smashing the benchmark again today. But why?

Read more »

ASX oil share price buy represented by cash notes spilling out of oil pipe Suez ASX energy shares
ETFs

Oil climbs toward US$100 as the Middle East war disrupts global supply

Global commodity markets rise as oil climbs toward US$100 per barrel.

Read more »