Pakistan’s energy sector just received a massive adrenaline shot to start the new year. The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has officially announced a significant oil and gas discovery in the Kohat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This development marks a critical win for local production and a step away from expensive energy imports.
The discovery comes from the Baragzai X-01 (Slant) exploratory well in the Nashpa Block. OGDCL, the operator of the block, confirmed the findings in a formal notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) today.
OGDCL Numbers: High-Yield Flows
The technical results from the drilling are promising. During the cased-hole Drill Stem Test (DST-02), the well demonstrated strong flows from the Datta Formation (Jurassic age).
- Oil Production: 4,100 Barrels of Oil Per Day (BOPD)
- Gas Production: 10.5 Million Standard Cubic Feet Per Day (MMSCFD)
- Wellhead Pressure: 3,880 psig (pounds per square inch gauge)
These numbers were achieved at a 32/64-inch choke size. Additionally, this isn’t the only success at this site. Earlier testing in the deeper Kingriali Formation (Triassic age) also proved to be a discovery, doubling the well’s strategic value.
Drilling & Geology
The exploration team spudded the Baragzai X-01 well on December 30, 2024. They drilled to a substantial depth of 5,170 meters.
The team encountered approximately 187 meters of the Datta Formation. Rigorous petrophysical evaluations and image logs confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons. Consequently, the team executed the successful testing that led to today’s announcement.
Stakeholders & Impact
This venture is a collaborative effort between Pakistan’s leading energy players. The working interests are divided as follows:
- OGDCL (Operator): 65%
- Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL): 30%
- Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL): 5%
This discovery does more than just boost OGDCL’s reserves. It directly addresses Pakistan’s widening energy supply-demand gap. By tapping into indigenous resources, the country can reduce its heavy reliance on foreign fuel imports, saving vital foreign exchange reserves.
