In a promising development for Pakistan’s energy sector, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PSX: PPL) has announced a major oil and gas discovery at the Baragzai X-01 (Slant) exploratory well, located in the Nashpa Block of district Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The discovery marks a significant step forward in strengthening Pakistan’s indigenous energy resources at a time when the country is seeking reliable, local solutions to its rising energy demands.
A Joint Effort Led by Industry Leaders:
The Baragzai X-01 well is operated by Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), which holds a 65% working interest in the project. PPL owns a 30% stake, while Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) carries the remaining 5%.
This collaboration brings together three leading players in Pakistan’s upstream energy sector—each contributing technical expertise, capital and strategic oversight.
Journey to Discovery: From Drilling to Breakthrough:
Drilling operations for Baragzai X-01 began on 24 December 2024, targeting deep formations in the Nashpa Block. The drilling team eventually reached an impressive depth of 5,170 meters in the Kingriali Formation, a geological layer that had never before delivered a hydrocarbon find in this block.
Following the drilling phase, experts analyzed open-hole wireline logs and moved forward with a cased-hole Drill Stem Test (DST) a critical step to evaluate the formation’s productivity. The test delivered highly encouraging results.
Strong Production Flow Rates Confirm Commercial Potential:
The well produced:
• 2,280 barrels of oil per day
• 5.6 million standard cubic feet of gas per day
• Choke size: 32/64″
• Wellhead flowing pressure: 2,400 psi
These strong flow rates highlight the well’s commercial viability and place Baragzai X-01 among the more promising discoveries in recent years.
A First for the Kingriali Formation in Nashpa:
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this discovery is that it is the first-ever hydrocarbon find from the Kingriali Formation within the Nashpa Block. This success significantly reduces exploration risk for deeper, yet-to-be-tested prospects in the surrounding region.
For exploration teams and investors, this means new opportunities and potentially new energy corridorsin previously under-estimated geological zones.
Boosting Pakistan’s Energy Security and Hydrocarbon Reserves:
With energy imports placing immense pressure on Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, this discovery couldn’t have come at a better time. The new production is expected to:
• Expand Pakistan’s indigenous hydrocarbon supply
• Reduce reliance on imported fuels
• Strengthen national reserve levels
• Support energy security through domestic production
For Pakistan’s economy, the long-term impact could be substantial as more discoveries like this help stabilize the country’s energy landscape.
A Milestone Discovery with Long-Term Benefits:
PPL’s latest breakthrough at Baragzai X-01 is more than just another drilling success, it represents a strategic step toward a more secure and self-reliant energy future for Pakistan. As deeper prospects in the Nashpa Block are evaluated with renewed confidence, this discovery may pave the way for a new chapter in the country’s upstream exploration narrative.