Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a significant gas discovery in Kotri Block No. 1, located in District Jamshoro, Sindh. The breakthrough is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s domestic energy production and reduce reliance on imported fuel resources.
According to PPL, the discovery was made during the drilling of a well named Barkhi-1, where hydrocarbons were successfully identified. This marks a major milestone in the company’s continuous efforts to enhance national gas exploration and production capabilities.
Drilling Details and Well Performance
The drilling operations for Barkhi-1 commenced on July 21, 2025, reaching a total depth of 3,392 feet. During initial testing, the well produced 1.5 million cubic feet of gas per day. Following acid stimulation treatment aimed at enhancing gas flow, production levels rose substantially to 5.5 million cubic feet per day.
Currently, the well is delivering gas at a pressure exceeding 460 pounds per square inch (psi), confirming the commercial viability of the site. These results highlight the potential of the Kotri Block as a valuable addition to Pakistan’s onshore gas reserves.
Expanding Exploration Efforts in Kotri North Block
Pakistan Petroleum Limited has also initiated preliminary exploration and research activities in the Kotri North Block. Early geological studies and seismic surveys are underway to identify additional hydrocarbon prospects in the region.
The company emphasized that this discovery aligns with its broader mission to expand local exploration activities and secure sustainable energy resources. PPL aims to strengthen Pakistan’s energy independence through continuous investment in modern drilling technologies and efficient resource management.
Boost to Pakistan’s Energy Sector
This discovery comes at a crucial time when Pakistan faces growing energy demands and supply challenges. Increasing domestic gas output can significantly help bridge the gap between consumption and production. It may also contribute to lowering energy import costs, providing relief to the national economy.
Experts believe that local discoveries like Kotri Block could play a key role in stabilizing energy prices and ensuring consistent supply for industrial and residential consumers. With rising exploration success rates in Sindh, Pakistan’s energy outlook shows signs of improvement.
Recent Energy Discoveries Across Sindh
Earlier this year, the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) also confirmed additional oil and gas discoveries in Khairpur District, Sindh. Together, these developments reflect a positive trend in domestic energy exploration and production efforts across the province.
Both PPL and OGDCL continue to expand their operational footprint, focusing on untapped regions that hold potential for new hydrocarbon reserves. These ongoing efforts highlight the government’s push for self-sufficiency in energy and its commitment to developing indigenous resources.
The success of Barkhi-1 in Jamshoro is expected to inspire further exploration across similar geological zones in Sindh and Balochistan. With the implementation of advanced drilling technologies and enhanced seismic imaging, more discoveries could follow in the near future.
Pakistan’s growing focus on domestic energy exploration underscores the country’s commitment to achieving long-term energy security. As projects like Kotri Block move forward, they are likely to strengthen the national grid and ensure a reliable energy supply for years to come.
