Pakistan has reported a significant oil and gas discovery in Sindh’s Khairpur district, offering the prospect of additional domestic energy supplies and potentially reducing reliance on imported fuels.

The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has officially announced the discovery through a notification submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

The hydrocarbon reserves were found at the Bitrism North West-1 well, where initial estimates suggest the site could produce 12.8 million standard cubic feet of natural gas and approximately 175 barrels of crude oil per day.

The development marks another addition to Pakistan’s domestic hydrocarbon resources as the country continues efforts to strengthen its energy supply.

Oil and Gas Discovery Made in Khairpur

According to OGDCL’s notification, the discovery was made in the Lower Goru Formation in Khairpur district, Sindh.

The Lower Goru Formation is a geological structure known for its hydrocarbon potential and has been an important area for oil and gas exploration in Pakistan.

The discovery at Bitrism North West-1 is expected to contribute both natural gas and crude oil to the country’s domestic energy resources.

Based on the initial production estimates, the well is expected to deliver around 12.8 million standard cubic feet of gas daily, alongside approximately 175 barrels of crude oil per day.

These figures represent the well’s expected initial output, while actual production will depend on further operational arrangements and the completion of required infrastructure.

Drilling Operations Reached 3,732 Metres

OGDCL confirmed that drilling operations at the Bitrism North West-1 well reached a depth of 3,732 metres before the hydrocarbon discovery was established.

The successful exploration highlights the company’s continued activities in identifying and developing indigenous oil and gas resources.

Exploration drilling requires substantial technical work and investment, with companies assessing underground geological formations to determine whether commercially viable hydrocarbon reserves are present.

The discovery at the Khairpur well provides another opportunity to increase local energy production.

OGDCL Holds 95 Percent Working Interest

OGDCL is operating the Bitrism North West-1 well and holds a 95 percent working interest in the project.

The remaining five percent stake is owned by Government Holdings, according to the company’s notification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

The formal disclosure was submitted to inform investors and the stock market about the discovery, its location and its expected initial production capacity.

OGDCL’s majority working interest means it holds the leading operational and financial stake in the exploration project.

Gas Supply to National Network Expected Soon

One of the key developments following the discovery is the planned connection of the well to Pakistan’s national gas network.

OGDCL has stated that the well will soon be connected to the system, allowing its expected gas production to be supplied to the national network.

The connection will be an important step in bringing the newly discovered resources into the country’s energy supply chain.

However, the company has not provided a specific date for the start of gas delivery in the information shared in its notification.

Once operational arrangements are completed, the well is expected to contribute an additional source of natural gas for domestic consumption.

What the Discovery Means for Pakistan’s Energy Sector

Pakistan continues to face challenges in meeting its energy requirements through domestic production. Natural gas remains an important part of the country’s energy mix, while crude oil is also required to support the petroleum sector.

New discoveries can help strengthen local supplies and reduce some pressure associated with importing energy resources.

The expected initial production of 12.8 MMCF of gas and 175 barrels of crude oil per day could provide an additional contribution to domestic availability.

However, the overall impact will depend on sustained production levels, infrastructure connectivity and the commercial development of the reserves.

The latest discovery also highlights the importance of continued exploration in Pakistan’s sedimentary basins, particularly areas with established hydrocarbon potential.

For OGDCL, the Bitrism North West-1 discovery represents a new addition to its exploration portfolio and an opportunity to develop further domestic resources.

With the well expected to be connected to the national gas network soon, attention will now turn towards the completion of operational arrangements and the start of production.

Also read: OGDCL, Mari and HUBCO Begin Gas Production in Sindh