Pakistan has announced a significant discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, marking a potential boost to the country’s domestic energy production. The state-owned Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) revealed the find, emphasising its importance in meeting the nation’s growing fuel demand.
In a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, OGDCL reported that its exploratory well, Baragzai X-01, located in Kohat district, has commenced production of approximately 3,100 barrels of crude oil per day and 8.15 million cubic feet of natural gas daily. This comes in addition to output from two other wells in the region, which have already been producing oil and gas for some time.
OGDCL stated in a press release: “This new discovery will contribute to narrowing the gap between domestic energy supply and demand, while further expanding Pakistan’s hydrocarbon reserves. Following this discovery, production from the Baragzai wells is now estimated at 9,480 barrels of crude oil per day, representing roughly 14.5% of Pakistan’s total domestic crude oil output.”
Currently, Pakistan produces around 66,000 barrels of crude oil daily, underscoring the potential impact of this new field. The discovery arrives as the country grapples with economic challenges and seeks to reduce its dependence on costly fuel imports by boosting local production.
The government has also been active in encouraging exploration, having signed five oil and gas exploration agreements last year with local and international firms for three offshore and two onshore blocks. Energy analysts note that expanding indigenous oil and gas output is vital for stabilising Pakistan’s energy security, supporting industrial growth, and reducing import bills.
Key Production Data from Baragzai X-01 Well
| Well Name | Location (District, Province) | Daily Oil Production (Barrels) | Daily Gas Production (Million Cubic Feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baragzai X-01 | Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 3,100 | 8.15 |
| Total Baragzai Wells | Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 9,480 | – |
This discovery represents a major stride for Pakistan’s energy sector and may provide a much-needed cushion against volatile global fuel prices. Authorities are optimistic that further exploration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could yield additional reserves, reinforcing the country’s self-sufficiency in hydrocarbons.