Karachi, January 11, 2024 – Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) has made a substantial gas discovery in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, as announced on Thursday.
The revelation was shared with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), marking a significant milestone for MPCL.
The gas discovery took place at the Shewa-2 appraisal-cum-exploratory well, located in North Waziristan district. The well, drilled successfully to a depth of 4,577 meters on November 01, 2023, aimed to appraise the Lockhart and Hangu formations, previously discovered at the exploratory well Shewa-1. Additionally, the well tested the hydrocarbon potential of exploratory targets, namely the Samanasuk and Kawagarh formations.
During the Drill Stem Test in the Kawagarh formation, a sustainable gas flow rate of 0.607 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) was achieved at a wellhead flowing pressure (WHFP) of 97 pounds per square inch (Psi) with a 32/64-inch choke size. This discovery in the Kawagarh formation adds to the already identified hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs from the exploratory well Shewa-1, including the Lockhart and Hangu formations.
The appraisal of the Lockhart and Hangu Formations confirmed the extension of the hydrocarbon play in these formations. The Hungu formation was tested at a gas flow rate of 0.274 MMSCFD at a WHFP of 77 Psi with a 32/64-inch choke size.
Moreover, the Lockhart formation in the Shewa-2 well, post acid testing, demonstrated a gas flow rate of 51 MMSCFD and 391 barrels of condensate per day at a WHFP of 5,972 Psi with a 38/64-inch choke size.
Mari Petroleum Company Limited operates the Waziristan Block with a 55% working interest, and it has joint venture partners, including OGDCL and OPI, holding 35% and 10% working interest, respectively.
The gas discovery at North Waziristan is a significant development for MPCL and its partners, reinforcing the potential of the region for contributing to Pakistan’s energy reserves. The successful testing of multiple formations adds to the overall positive outlook, as the company continues to play a pivotal role in the exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources in the country. The discovery is expected to have positive implications for Pakistan’s energy security and economic growth, reducing dependence on imports and contributing to the overall energy landscape of the nation.
