The Brazilian unit of Portugal's Galp Energia (GALP.LB) said it found traces of oil while prospecting in the Sergipe Basin, according to Brazil's National Petroleum Agency.

The find was made at the SEAL-T-412 onshore block in the Sergipe Basin. Petrogal Brasil Ltda. is lead operator of the block, with a 50% stake. Brazilian state-run energy giant Petroleo Brasileiro (PBR) owns the remaining 50%.

The Drillfor-06 rig spudded the 4GALP33SE well at the SEAL-T-412 block, drilling to a total depth of 833 meters, according to ANP drilling data.

The discovery was reported to the ANP on Monday but was published on the ANP's Web site late Tuesday.

Oil companies operating in Brazil must inform the ANP of indications of oil, gas or hydrocarbons in any exploratory well within 48 hours. The disclosures are routine and don't indicate commercial viability.

-By Jeff Fick, Dow Jones Newswires; 55-21-2586-6085; jeff.fick@dowjones.com