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Pakistan’s energy sector received a fresh boost as Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) announced a new oil and gas discovery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kohat district, strengthening the country’s domestic hydrocarbon base.
In a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), OGDCL confirmed that hydrocarbons were discovered at the Baragzai X-01 (Slant) exploratory well located in the Nashpa Block.
OGDCL operates the block with a 65% working interest, while Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) holds 30%, and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) has a 5% carried interest.
Strong Production Test Results
The discovery was made in the Samana Suk and Shinwari formations, following successful testing operations. According to the company, the well delivered encouraging flow rates during Cased Hole Drill Stem Test-03 (CHDST-03).
The well flowed 3,100 barrels of oil per day along with 8.15 million cubic feet of gas per day through a 32/64-inch choke, recording a wellhead flowing pressure of 3,010 psig.
Multiple Pay Zones
Baragzai X-01 was spudded on December 30, 2024, to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of several formations, including Lockhart, Hangu, Lumshiwal, Samana Suk, Shinawari, Datta, and Kingriali.
The well was drilled to a total depth of 5,170 meters, reaching the Kingriali Formation. Earlier tests in both the Kingriali and Datta formations had already confirmed the presence of oil and gas, highlighting the block’s strong prospectivity.
Energy Security Impact
OGDCL said the new discovery will support efforts to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported energy, help narrow the supply-demand gap, and add to the hydrocarbon reserves of the company and its joint venture partners.
The find also reinforces the Nashpa Block’s importance as one of the country’s key onshore exploration areas at a time when Pakistan is seeking to stabilize its energy sector through indigenous resource development.
