District Kohat: OGDCL unveils major oil and gas discovery in Nashpa Block
GAME-CHANGER: SHAPING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR PAKISTAN’S ENERGY SECTOR
PSMU Exclusive:
Islamabad: In a remarkable development for Pakistan’s energy landscape, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has made a major oil and gas discovery at its exploration well Baragzai X-01 (Slant) in the Nashpa Block, located in district Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This groundbreaking discovery is not only a game-changer for OGDCL but also a promising leap forward for the entire energy sector.
The Baragzai X-01 well flowed at a robust rate of 2,280 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and 5.6 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of gas, through a 32/64-inch choke at a wellhead pressure of 2,400 psi. This marks the first oil and gas discovery from the Kingriali Formation in the Nashpa Block, underscoring the area’s untapped potential and heralding a new chapter in Pakistan’s energy exploration.
Drilled to a depth of 5,170 meters, the well encountered a 90-meter thick interval in the Triassic-age Kingriali Formation, a key geological target for hydrocarbon reserves. OGDCL, which operates the Nashpa Exploration License with a 65% working interest, has once again proven its leadership in exploration and production, alongside its joint venture partners—Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) with a 30% working interest, and Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL) with a carried interest.
The discovery of Baragzai X-01 has been hailed as a major step forward, not only for OGDCL but also for the energy sector at large. Encouraging hydrocarbon shows, open hole wireline logs, and a successful drill stem test (DST) have all pointed to the viability of the reserves, paving the way for future production.
This discovery is expected to have far-reaching benefits, both commercially and strategically. As Pakistan grapples with an ever-growing energy supply-demand gap, this find promises to bolster the country’s energy security by tapping into indigenous resources, reducing dependence on costly imports, and boosting national hydrocarbon reserves. The successful exploration will enhance the operational outlook for OGDCL and PPL, increasing investor confidence and fostering further exploration efforts in the region.
The sentiment in the energy sector is already reflecting a more positive outlook, with analysts praising the discovery as a sign of Pakistan’s growing energy resilience. As the country’s demand for energy continues to outpace supply, such breakthroughs play a crucial role in filling the void left by imported energy, ultimately providing stability to the national grid and supporting economic growth.
“This historic discovery doesn’t just mark a victory for OGDCL and PPL – it’s a triumph for Pakistan’s energy future, proving that our nation’s untapped resources hold the key to a self-sufficient, sustainable energy landscape.”
