Significant gas and condensate reserves have been found in Sindh’s Khairpur area, according to a major breakthrough in Pakistan’s energy landscape revealed by Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). An important turning point in the continuous attempts to increase domestic energy output and lessen the country’s dependency on imports has been reached with the finding, which was found at the exploratory Faakir-1 well.
Exploratory Well & Geological Setting:
The Faakir-1 well, spudded on December 31, 2024, was drilled to a total depth of 4,185 meters in the Sembar Formation. Using advanced drilling techniques and thorough in-house expertise, OGDCL successfully navigated the challenging geological environment of the region. The exploratory program was carried out within the Bitrisim Exploration License, an area earmarked for its high hydrocarbon prospectivity .
Joint Venture Collaboration:
OGDCL, which has a 95% operating interest in the well, operates it in collaboration with Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL), which owns the remaining 5%. This cooperation highlights a strategic alliance that supports Pakistan’s exploration activities by utilising technological know-how and risk sharing.
Drill Stem Test (DST) Results:
After careful wireline log interpretations, two Drill Stem Tests (DSTs) were carried out with an emphasis on the vast and basal sand intervals in the Lower Goru Formation. The cumulative DST results demonstrated a high production potential with an anticipated yield of 6.4 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMSCFD) and the recovery of 55 barrels per day (BPD) of condensate through a 32/64-inch choke. Wellhead flowing pressures reported for both experiments were 450 and 850 psi, respectively.
Economic and Strategic Implications:
Extending the License Life and Commercial Prospects: OGDCL’s discovery significantly enhances the commercial perspective of the Bitrisim Exploration License. By tapping into previously unrealized hydrocarbon potential, the find is expected to extend the life of the license, attract further exploration investments, and reinforce the region’s role in supplying domestic energy needs.
Read more: Pakistan strikes major gas reserves in North Waziristan that is expected to last 17 years
Boosting Domestic Energy Security:
With Pakistan actively seeking to bridge the energy demand-supply gap through indigenous sources, the discovery of these gas reserves is a welcome boost. It not only adds to the national hydrocarbon reserves but also paves the way for enhanced production that could help stabilize local energy markets and reduce import dependency.
Technological and Operational Excellence:
The success of Faakir-1 reflects OGDCL’s rigorous exploration strategy and operational excellence. The use of digital technologies, decisive wireline log interpretations, and timely DSTs underscores the need for continuous innovation in the country’s exploration programs.
This significant gas and condensate find is more than just a technological success it is a signal of optimism for Pakistan’s energy future. As OGDCL continues to explore the full hydrocarbon potential of Sindh and beyond, the emphasis will be on:
- Leveraging indigenous resources to meet growing energy demands.
- Enhancing strategic partnerships to mitigate exploration risks.
- Fortifying the country’s energy security framework in the face of global market fluctuations.
The discovery also offers hope for the local economy, providing a potential boost to employment, ancillary industries, and an overall uplift in regional development. This move could very well serve as a catalyst for further exploration activities within the region, setting the stage for a more self-reliant and robust energy sector.