ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) on Tuesday announced a significant oil and gas discovery at its existing exploratory well in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking another boost for Pakistan’s domestic energy resources.
In an official statement, OGDCL said the discovery was made at the exploratory well Baragzai X-01 (Slant), located within the Nashpa Exploration License area, where the national oil and gas company is the operator. The hydrocarbon reserves were discovered in the Samana Suk and Shinawari formations, following successful testing operations.
According to the company, the well tested positive during the Cased Hole Drill Stem Test (CHDST-03) in both formations. The test results showed a production flow of 3,100 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) and 8.15 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas. The flow was recorded through a 32/64-inch choke at a wellhead flowing pressure of 3,010 pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG).
You May Also Like: Militant Hideouts Destroyed in Security Operation in Lakki Marwat
OGDCL said the discovery has made a notable contribution to national output in a short span of time. Within a month, the company added 9,480 BOPD, representing approximately 14.5 per cent of Pakistan’s current domestic crude oil production, which stands at around 66,000 BOPD. The development is expected to help reduce reliance on imported energy and support the country’s efforts to improve energy security.
The Baragzai X-01 (Slant) well was spudded on December 30, 2024, as part of OGDCL’s ongoing exploration programme aimed at evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of multiple geological formations in the area. These formations included Lockhart, Hangu, Lumshiwal, Samana Suk, Shinawari, Datta, and Kingriali.
The discovery has been made over the Samana Suk and Shinawari formations.https://t.co/DninZzELIC
— Dawn Business (@dawn_business) January 21, 2026
The well was successfully drilled to a total depth of 5,170 metres, reaching the Kingriali Formation, demonstrating the company’s technical capability in deep and complex drilling operations. The discovery underscores the prospectivity of the Kohat region, which has emerged as an important onshore exploration zone in recent years.
Energy sector analysts say the latest discovery highlights OGDCL’s continued role in strengthening Pakistan’s oil and gas portfolio amid declining production from mature fields and rising energy demand. Further appraisal and development activities are expected to determine the full commercial potential of the discovery, which could play a key role in stabilising domestic oil and gas supplies in the coming years.
Check out our latest video:
