Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a new gas discovery from its Dolphin X-1 exploration well in District Sujawal, Sindh, marking a significant development in the Sirani Exploration License area.
The company disclosed the discovery in a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on August 17, 2026. PPL operates the Sirani Exploration License with a 75 percent working interest, while Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL) holds the remaining 25 percent stake.
The discovery adds to Pakistan’s domestic hydrocarbon exploration efforts and could open up further opportunities for oil and gas exploration in the region.
Dolphin X-1 well reaches 3,850 metres
According to PPL, the Dolphin X-1 well was spudded on April 17, 2026, and was drilled to a measured depth of 3,850 metres.
The exploration well was drilled to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the Chiltan Formation, a geological formation considered prospective for petroleum resources.
During drilling, the company conducted open-hole logging and identified intervals containing hydrocarbons. These findings were subsequently evaluated through testing to determine the well’s production potential.
Well produces gas at commercial rate
PPL said that during post-acid testing, Dolphin X-1 produced gas with a heating value of approximately 1,000 British thermal units (Btu) per standard cubic foot.
The well recorded a gas flow rate of 0.942 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd). The flow was measured at a wellhead flowing pressure of 211 pounds per square inch gauge (psig), using a 32/64-inch choke.
The results provide an indication of the gas-bearing potential of the formation and will help guide further technical evaluation of the discovery.
Condensate also detected
The exploration well also produced condensate during pre-acid testing.
PPL reported an initial condensate production rate of 94 barrels per day. However, the rate declined to 46 barrels per day within 24 hours.
No condensate was observed during the subsequent post-acid testing.
Despite the decline, PPL said the initial presence of condensate represents an encouraging indication of hydrocarbon potential within the Chiltan Formation.
The company believes the results support further exploration and evaluation of the area to determine the broader potential of the discovery.
New exploration frontier for Pakistan
PPL said the Dolphin X-1 discovery confirms the presence of a petroleum system in the Sirani Exploration License area.
The company added that the discovery could open a new exploration frontier across the onshore marshy region and its potential extensions into shallow offshore areas.
This could be particularly important for Pakistan as the country continues efforts to increase domestic oil and gas production and reduce reliance on imported energy resources.
Further exploration will be required to establish the size, commercial viability and overall reserves associated with the discovery.
Partnership with GHPL
The discovery was made through the partnership between PPL and Government Holdings Private Limited.
PPL holds a 75 percent working interest in the Sirani Exploration License and serves as the operator, while GHPL holds the remaining 25 percent interest.
The companies will now be able to undertake further technical and geological evaluation to assess the extent of the hydrocarbon-bearing structure and its potential for future development.
Potential boost for domestic energy exploration
The latest discovery comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking to encourage greater investment in domestic exploration and production.
New discoveries can help strengthen the country’s energy security by increasing the availability of locally produced hydrocarbons. However, the eventual contribution of the Dolphin X-1 discovery to national gas supplies will depend on additional appraisal, development planning and commercial assessment.
For now, PPL’s reported results from the well provide an encouraging indication of hydrocarbon potential in Sujawal and highlight the unexplored opportunities within the Sirani Exploration License area.
The company said the discovery has confirmed the presence of a petroleum system and could pave the way for additional exploration across the wider region.
Also read: FPSC Starts CSS 2027 MPT Applications
