Pakistan’s energy sector is set for a major boost as Mari Energies and the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), along with a consortium of leading E&P companies, have been provisionally awarded a record number of offshore exploration blocks. The awards were announced during Pakistan’s largest-ever competitive bid round, the Pakistan E&P Offshore Bid Round 2025.
The Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions (DGPC) informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on November 12, 2025, that Mari Energies secured 23 new offshore blocks. Of these, the company will operate 18 blocks and participate as a joint venture partner in five others. OGDCL confirmed its participation and significant stakes in multiple blocks, aligning with its strategy to accelerate exploration and increase Pakistan’s hydrocarbon reserves.
Other awardees include Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Prime Global Energies Limited (Prime), Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company Limited (TPOC), United Energy Pakistan Limited (UEP), Orient Petroleum Inc (OPI), and Fatima Petroleum Company Limited (FPCL).
The blocks are spread across the Indus and Makran offshore basins. Key block partnerships include:
- Bin Qasim South (Indus Offshore): OGDCL (Operator, 32%), Mari Energies (24%), PPL (24%), Prime (20%)
- Keti Bandar (Indus Offshore): OGDCL (Operator, 32%), Mari Energies (24%), PPL (24%), Prime (20%)
- Behr Block (Indus Offshore): Mari Energies (Operator, 40%), OGDCL (30%), PPL (30%)
- Zarrar Block (Indus Offshore): Mari Energies (Operator, 32%), OGDCL (24%), PPL (24%), Prime (20%)
- Sapat Bandar (Makran Offshore): Prime (Operator, 31%), Mari Energies (23%), OGDCL (23%), PPL (23%)
In addition, Mari Energies has secured 100% operatorship in several Makran Offshore Ultra Deep blocks (I to X), expanding its presence in the region.
The formal award of petroleum rights is subject to the issuance of exploration licenses, execution of production sharing and joint operating agreements, and completion of all legal requirements. Both Mari Energies and OGDCL have pledged to keep stakeholders informed as the process progresses.
In other related news also read OGDCL Plans Consortium With Turkish Petroleum For Libya Exploration
This record allocation is expected to unlock new hydrocarbon resources, strengthen Pakistan’s energy security, and attract significant foreign and domestic investment. Mari Energies’ expanded offshore operations could mark a transformative era for the country’s oil and gas sector.
