Pakistan Petroleum discovers gas in Sindh

Pakistan Petroleum (PPL) the operator of the Block 2568-18 (Gambat South) with 65 per cent working interest (WI) along with its joint venture partners Government Holdings and Asia Resources Oil with 25 percent and 10 percent WI, respectively, has announced a gas and condensate discovery over its exploration well Wafiq X-1 located in District Sanghar, Sindh.

Exploration well Wafiq X-1 was spud on February 17, 2013 and reached the final depth of 3,550 meters on May 21, 2013. Based on wire line logs several hydrocarbon bearing zones were identified which are under testing. The first test in the sands of Lower Goru Formation flowed 5.9 to 7.4 MMscfd of gas along with 40 to 54 barrels per day (bbl/d) condensate at different choke sizes, thus confirming the presence of commercial quantities of natural gas and condensate at Wafiq X-1. The second test which is in progress initially flowed 16.8 MMscfd of gas along with 144 bbl/d condensate at 32/64”choke.

In addition to above, remaining potential zones would also be tested and the actual total flow potential of this well will be determined after completion of all the tests. This discovery will add more hydrocarbon reserves and also reduce the gap between supply and demand of oil and gas during current energy crises in the country.

The pioneer of the natural gas industry in the country, PPL has been a frontline player in the energy sector since mid-1950s. As a major supplier of natural gas, PPL today contributes around 24 percent of the country’s total natural gas supplies besides producing crude oil, Natural Gas Liquid and Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

PPL has recently acquired 100 percent shareholding of MND E&P, a company incorporated in England and Wales. The name of the subsidiary has been changed to PPL Europe E&P.