OGDCL announces significant oil and gas discovery in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

ISLAMABAD:Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has announced a major oil and gas discovery at its exploratory well Baragzai X-01 (Slant), located in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking a significant start to the New Year for Pakistan’s energy sector.

OGDC, the operator of the Nashpa Exploration Licence, holds a 65 percent working interest in the block, alongside joint venture partners Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) with 30 percent working interest and Government Holding (Private) Limited (GHPL) with a five percent carried interest.

The discovery has been made in the Datta Formation and is the result of OGDC’s focused exploration campaign in the Nashpa Block. The Baragzai X-01 (Slant) well was spudded on December 30, 2024, and drilled to a total depth of 5,170 metres, reaching the Kingriali Formation.

Following the interpretation of open-hole wireline log data, a Cased Hole Drill Stem Test (DST-02) was conducted in the Datta Formation. The test results confirmed strong production potential, with the well currently flowing 4,100 barrels of oil per day (BPD) and 10.5 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas.

The production was achieved through a 32/64-inch choke at a wellhead flowing pressure of 3,880 pounds per square inch (PSI), underscoring the commercial viability of the reservoir.

According to OGDC, the discovery is expected to make a positive contribution toward reducing Pakistan’s energy demand and supply gap by adding new indigenous oil and gas resources. It will also strengthen the company’s hydrocarbon reserves base and support the country’s broader energy security objectives.

Reaffirming its commitment to sustained exploration, OGDC stated that it will continue efforts aimed at unlocking Pakistan’s hydrocarbon potential and contributing to economic stability through reliable domestic energy supplies, as the nation enters the New Year with renewed optimism.