New Oil and Gas Discoveries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Strengthen Pakistan’s Energy Outlook
Pakistan’s energy sector has received a significant boost with fresh oil and gas discoveries in Pakistan’s northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). These new finds, primarily located in the resource-rich Kohat District, signal renewed momentum in domestic exploration efforts and offer hope for reducing reliance on costly fuel imports.
2/20/20261 min read
Fresh Discoveries in Kohat
State-owned exploration companies have reported promising results from ongoing drilling activities in the region. The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) announced additional oil and gas discoveries at the Nashpa Block, specifically at the Baragzai X-01 (Slant) well.
Initial production estimates indicate approximately 225 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and around 1.01 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMscfd). These figures, while modest compared to global mega-fields, are significant for Pakistan’s domestic supply and contribute meaningfully to narrowing the country’s energy shortfall.
Consecutive Gas Finds Strengthen Prospects
In addition to OGDCL’s discovery, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has also reported encouraging results from the Bilitang-1 well, targeting the Lockhart Formation in Kohat. Early testing has confirmed gas flows that further reinforce KP’s reputation as a high-potential exploration zone.
These back-to-back discoveries highlight the geological promise of the region and demonstrate that continued investment in exploration can yield tangible results.
Why These Discoveries Matter
1. Reducing Import Dependency
Pakistan spends billions of dollars annually on importing crude oil, refined petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas. Increasing domestic production can help reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves and improve economic stability.
2. Strengthening Energy Security
Local production enhances supply reliability, particularly during periods of global price volatility or supply chain disruptions.
3. Encouraging Investment
Successful drilling results often attract further exploration investment, both from public and private sector stakeholders, accelerating development in untapped areas.
A Step Toward Greater Self-Reliance
While these discoveries alone will not eliminate Pakistan’s energy challenges, they represent steady progress. Consistent exploration, improved infrastructure, and supportive policy frameworks will be crucial to fully capitalize on KP’s hydrocarbon potential.
Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration