Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a significant development in its exploration efforts with the discovery of unconventional gas from its exploratory well LAL X-1 in District Kashmore, Sindh. The discovery marks the company’s first success in the Lower Alabaster Formation, according to an official notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday.
First Discovery from Lower Alabaster Formation
The PSX notice highlighted that PPL, as the operator of Kandhkot Development and Production Lease (D&PL), holds 100% working interest in the exploratory well. The discovery is classified as unconventional gas, meaning the natural gas is trapped in tight rock formations such as shale, sandstone, or coal seams. Unlike conventional reservoirs, these require advanced extraction techniques including hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling.
“This is the first discovery from exploration target Lower Alabaster Formation in Kandhkot D&PL by PPL as an operator with 100% working interest,” the notice read.
Details of the LAL X-1 Well
The LAL X-1 well was spudded on June 30, 2025, and drilled to a depth of 1,408 metres MD BKB. The objective was to assess the hydrocarbon potential of interbedded limestone beds in the Lower Alabaster Formation. Post-completion testing showed that the well flowed at 0.138 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of gas with a wellhead flowing pressure (WHFP) of 33 psig at a 64/64-inch choke.
PPL emphasized that while the well confirms hydrocarbon potential, the commercial viability of the discovery will require further analysis. The company plans to conduct post-well evaluation and additional exploration wells in the Lower Alabaster Play to determine the economic feasibility of production.
Significance and Previous Discoveries
This unconventional gas find is part of PPL’s ongoing exploration strategy in Sindh. Last month, the company reported hydrocarbon reserves from its exploratory well Sawan North Deep-1 ST-1 (SND-1 ST-1), located in District Khairpur, Sindh. Together, these discoveries underscore PPL’s efforts to enhance domestic energy supply and diversify Pakistan’s hydrocarbon resources.
Unconventional gas discoveries are particularly significant due to their potential to boost natural gas production in the country. While extraction involves more advanced techniques than conventional gas, successful development could strengthen Pakistan’s energy security and support industrial and domestic energy demands.
PPL has stated that further exploration and post-well analysis will be conducted to evaluate the commerciality of the LAL X-1 well. The results of future wells in the Lower Alabaster Play will be crucial in deciding the full potential of the formation.
If commercial development is confirmed, the discovery could open new avenues for natural gas production in Sindh, contributing to both local energy supply and national economic growth.
