Pakistan's Oil & Gas Development Company (OGDC) has provided updated drilling results for the Baragzai X-01 exploration well on the Nashpa block in Kohat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The well, drilled to a depth of 5,170 meters, has now yielded successful tests in two geological formations.

Baragzai Discovery Results

The initial discovery was made in the Kingriali Formation, where the well logged a flow of 2,280 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and 5.6 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMcfd). A subsequent cased-hole drill stem test conducted in the shallower Datta Formation yielded a significantly higher flow rate of 4,100 bpd and 10.5 MMcfd of gas. The decision to test the Datta Formation was based on good hydrocarbon shows, petrophysical evaluation, and fracture indications from image logs.

Strategic Significance and Stakeholders

OGDC holds a 65% operating stake in the Nashpa exploration licence, with Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) holding 30% and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) a 5% carried interest. PPL stated that this discovery de-risks exploration for deeper reservoirs in the block, creates new opportunities, and will enhance the country's indigenous hydrocarbon supply and reserves base.

Related Exploration Activity

In a separate development earlier last month, PPL announced the first discovery of unconventional gas in the Lower Alabaster formation at its wholly-operated Kandhkot Development & Production Lease in Sindh province. The LAL X-1 exploration well flowed at a rate of 138,000 cubic feet per day. These discoveries have been met with a positive response from the country's leadership, with the Prime Minister reiterating calls to prioritize domestic oil and gas exploration.