New Oil and Gas Reserves Discovered in Punjab
Pakistan’s energy sector has received a major boost with the announcement of a significant oil and gas discovery in Punjab’s Attock district. The discovery was made by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) at the Dhok Sultan-03 well, located in the Dhok Sultan Block. This development marks a milestone in the country’s exploration and production journey, as it is the second deepest oil discovery in naturally fractured carbonate formations in the Potwar region.
The breakthrough comes at a crucial time when Pakistan continues to face an energy deficit, relying heavily on imported oil and gas to meet domestic demand. With this discovery, the nation takes a step closer to strengthening its local reserves and reducing dependence on costly imports.
Details of the Discovery
According to the official press release by PPL, the well produced impressive results during testing.
- On a 32/64″ choke, the well flowed 1,469 barrels per day (BPD) of oil and 2.56 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of gas at a wellhead flowing pressure (WHFP) of 1,147 psig.
- On a 48/64″ choke, the well produced 2,113 BPD of oil and 4.13 MMscfd of gas at 813 psig WHFP.
These results confirm the hydrocarbon potential of the Patala and Lockhart formations, making it one of the most encouraging finds in recent years.
Exploration Timeline
The Dhok Sultan-03 well was spudded on January 18, 2025, and successfully drilled to a total depth of 5,815 meters. The operation faced challenging geological conditions, but PPL’s technical team overcame these hurdles by optimizing well design and drilling strategies.
This approach not only reduced drilling risks but also saved costs and time, proving that local expertise can deliver high-impact results in Pakistan’s exploration sector.
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Partnership and Stakeholders
The Dhok Sultan Block is operated by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), which holds a 75% working interest. The remaining 25% is owned by Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL).
This collaboration reflects the government’s continued interest in supporting domestic exploration activities and boosting national production levels.
Why This Discovery Matters
The discovery of new oil and gas reserves in Punjab carries multiple implications:
1. Reducing Energy Imports
Pakistan imports billions of dollars’ worth of oil and LNG every year. Domestic discoveries like Dhok Sultan-03 can reduce the import bill and improve the balance of payments.
2. Strengthening the Energy Mix
Adding local oil and gas reserves ensures a diversified energy mix, supporting power generation, industrial use, and transportation.
3. Economic Growth and Job Creation
Exploration and production projects stimulate economic activity by creating jobs, boosting service industries, and encouraging investments in related sectors.
4. Enhancing Energy Security
Relying on imported energy exposes Pakistan to global price volatility. Domestic discoveries improve energy security and protect the economy from international shocks.
Technical Significance
The Dhok Sultan-03 find is particularly important because:
- It is the second deepest oil discovery in the Potwar region’s carbonate formations.
- Advanced geophysical, geological, and reservoir engineering analyses played a vital role in identifying drilling opportunities.
- The optimized drilling plan showcased how innovation can reduce exploration costs and increase efficiency.
This highlights the importance of combining data-driven analysis with field expertise to unlock Pakistan’s untapped hydrocarbon potential.
Pakistan’s Energy Context
Pakistan has long faced challenges in meeting its growing energy demand. The country’s population of 250 million requires reliable electricity and fuel for domestic, industrial, and commercial use.
- Pakistan’s total oil consumption stands at around 450,000 barrels per day, while domestic production hovers between 70,000–80,000 barrels per day, making imports necessary.
- In natural gas, domestic production is around 3.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd), while demand exceeds 6 bcfd, forcing Pakistan to import LNG.
This imbalance highlights the importance of every new domestic discovery.
Future Exploration Plans
Following this discovery, experts believe further potential exists in the Dhok Sultan Block and surrounding areas. The oil and gas department will conduct additional surveys to identify more natural mineral resources in Attock and other districts of Punjab.
If successful, these efforts could turn Punjab into a significant contributor to Pakistan’s upstream energy sector, reducing the burden on Sindh and Balochistan fields.
PPL’s Commitment
Pakistan Petroleum Limited emphasized in its statement that the breakthrough was possible due to rigorous technical analysis and innovative well design. The company reaffirmed its commitment to:
- Responsible exploration and production
- Sustainable development of natural resources
- Delivering long-term value to Pakistan’s economy and people
PPL’s track record shows a history of contributions to the energy sector, and this new discovery strengthens its position as a leader in Pakistan’s exploration industry.
Regional Impact
The Attock district and surrounding areas are expected to benefit economically from this discovery. Local communities could see improvements in infrastructure, employment opportunities, and small business growth as supporting industries expand around exploration sites.
Moreover, the successful discovery may encourage foreign investment in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector, showing that the country’s geology still holds significant untapped potential.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the encouraging results, challenges remain:
- Global oil price volatility could affect the economic viability of new projects.
- Regulatory and policy frameworks need to be streamlined for faster project execution.
- Security and infrastructure limitations in certain regions may affect exploration.
Addressing these challenges will be critical to fully capitalize on the potential of new discoveries.
Conclusion
The new oil and gas reserves discovered in Punjab’s Attock district represent a major step forward for Pakistan’s energy sector. The Dhok Sultan-03 well, operated by PPL, has demonstrated significant production potential, offering hope for reducing imports, boosting the domestic energy mix, and enhancing national energy security.
This milestone underlines the importance of continued investment in exploration, innovation in drilling technologies, and collaboration between public and private stakeholders. As Pakistan moves forward, discoveries like this will play a central role in powering industries, fueling growth, and strengthening the nation’s economic future.
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