** Shares of Melbana Energy MAY.AX up 5.2% to A$0.081,
hitting their highest level since Sept. 7
** Oil and gas explorer commences drilling at appraisal well
at offshore project in Cuba
** Co adds reservoirs were estimated to contain a combined
179 mln barrels of Prospective (recoverable) Resource
** Co also plans to conduct flow test of oil at additional
well in Cuba project
** Including day's gains, stock up 28.6% YTD
(Reporting by Shivangi Lahiri in Bengaluru)
((Shivangi.Lahiri@thomsonreuters.com;))