Pakistan's overall reserve life improves on back of new oil and gas discoveries

Pakistan's hydrocarbon reserve life improved during 2025, supported by new oil and gas discoveries that increased the country's recoverable reserves and extended the lifespan of existing resources, according to data compiled by Arif Habib Limited.

The country's overall hydrocarbon reserve life reached 17 years as of December 2025, based on prevailing production levels. Gas reserve life increased to 18 years, while oil reserve life improved to 11 years.

Pakistan's oil reserves rose 6% year-on-year to 253 million barrels by the end of December 2025. The increase was primarily driven by a 21.01 million-barrel addition from the Baragzai field, alongside reserve gains at Bettani and Shahdadpur.

Natural gas reserves also recorded growth, increasing 4% year-on-year to 18,854 billion cubic feet (Bcf). The expansion was supported by reserve additions from Mari Ghazij, Shahdadpur, Shewa and Bettani, along with contributions from Baragzai, Spinwam and Soho.

According to the report, the improvement in reserve life was largely driven by new discoveries rather than lower production levels.

Newly discovered fields, including Spinwam, Baragzai, Bitrism East, Chakar and Faakir, collectively added 23.8 million barrels to Pakistan's oil reserves and 367.2 Bcf to gas reserves as of December 2025.

The latest reserve additions provide support to Pakistan's domestic energy supply outlook, although the country continues to rely heavily on imported oil and liquefied natural gas to meet overall energy demand.

The data indicate that continued exploration activity and successful discoveries remain critical for sustaining reserve replacement and improving long-term energy security.