Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has announced a significant oil and gas discovery at its Baragzai X-01 (Slant) exploratory well located in the Nashpa exploration block in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The discovery, made in the Lockhart Limestone formation during a cased-hole drill stem test, marks a key milestone for domestic energy production and is expected to enhance Pakistan’s hydrocarbon reserves. According to the company, the Baragzai X-01 well produced 3,765 barrels of oil per day alongside 11.2 million standard cubic feet per day of gas through a 32/64-inch choke with a wellhead flowing pressure of 4,080 psig.
OGDCL operates the Nashpa exploration licence with a 65 percent working interest. Joint venture partners include Pakistan Petroleum Limited holding a 30 percent stake and Government Holdings (Private) Limited maintaining a 5 percent carried interest. The collaboration underscores the importance of joint efforts in exploring and harnessing Pakistan’s domestic energy potential.
The Baragzai X-01 (Slant) well was spudded on December 30, 2024, to evaluate hydrocarbon potential across multiple geological formations, including Lockhart, Hangu, Lumshiwal, Samana Suk, Shinawari, Datta, and Kingriali. The well was drilled to a total depth of 5,170 meters in the Kingriali formation. Prior drill stem tests conducted in Kingriali, Datta, Samana Suk–Shinawari, and Hangu–Lumshiwal formations also indicated the presence of oil and gas, confirming the overall potential of the block.
The discovery at Baragzai X-01 is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s domestic hydrocarbon reserves and contributing to bridging the energy supply gap through indigenous resources. By increasing the production of oil and gas from domestic fields, Pakistan can reduce its reliance on imported fuels, potentially improving energy security and supporting long-term economic stability.
Analysts note that the Nashpa exploration block has shown promising results since its inception, and this latest discovery reinforces the value of continued exploration and development activities in the region. The combined output of oil and gas from multiple formations indicates that the block holds significant commercial potential. The Lockhart Limestone formation, in particular, has demonstrated high productivity in the current test, suggesting that further drilling and development may yield additional reserves.
This milestone also highlights OGDCL’s commitment to expanding Pakistan’s energy portfolio while leveraging technological expertise in deep drilling and formation evaluation. The discovery is likely to attract further investment and encourage continued exploration in underexplored regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As the country seeks to address its growing energy demands, developments such as the Baragzai X-01 well are critical in providing sustainable, locally sourced energy solutions and reinforcing the role of domestic hydrocarbon resources in Pakistan’s energy strategy.
Overall, the Baragzai X-01 (Slant) discovery is a significant achievement for OGDCL and the wider energy sector in Pakistan, underscoring the potential of domestic exploration to contribute meaningfully to national energy security and economic growth.
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