KARACHI:

Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has reported a significant oil and gas discovery at its Dhok Sultan-03 well in District Attock, Punjab. This marks the second hydrocarbon find in the Dhok Sultan Block and is among the deepest oil discoveries in naturally fractured carbonate formations in the Potwar region.

According to PPL, the well was drilled after extensive geological, geophysical, and reservoir engineering studies. The company said optimisation of well design helped overcome drilling challenges, saving both time and cost.

PPL, operator of the Dhok Sultan Block with a 75 percent working interest, partnered with Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL), which holds the remaining 25 percent. Drilling began on January 18, 2025, and reached a depth of 5,815 meters.

Testing targeted hydrocarbon potential of the Patala and Lockhart formations. Results showed encouraging flows of 1,469 barrels per day (bpd) of oil and 2.56 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of gas at a wellhead flowing pressure (WHFP) of 1,147 psig on a 32/64″ choke. At a 48/64″ choke, production reached 2,113 bpd of oil and 4.13 MMscfd of gas at 813 psig WHFP.

The discovery underscores the untapped hydrocarbon potential of the mature Potwar-Kohat sub-basin, long considered a challenging exploration zone. PPL noted that advanced technologies, detailed geophysical analysis and in-house technical capabilities enabled the breakthrough.

Company officials said the new reserves could contribute meaningfully to the national energy mix and reduce dependence on imported fuel.