The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) with its partner Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL) discovered a gas reservoir of 1.06 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) at Zin SML-I Block located in District Dera Bugti of Balochistan. This was revealed by Masood Siddiqui, Managing Director of OGDCL during a briefing to Asim Hussain Advisor to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources. OGDCL holds 95 percent working interest in Zin Exploration License and the remaining 5 percent are with its joint venture partner GHPL.
Siddiqui said the discovered gas reservoirs are of low calorific value but with the right technology, it could be enhanced to better quality gas. Zin SML-I well was drilled down to the depth of 1050 meters, targeting to test the potential of Sui Main Limestone formation. The target zone age has tested 8.05 mmcfd gas through 128"/ 64" choke.
"Significant reserves of hydrocarbons have been found at Zin X-1 well," OGDC MD claimed and added that the first targeted zone Pab Sandstone of Cretaceous age had tested 5.48 mmcfd gas through 32/64 inch choke at well-head flowing pressure of 1050 psi. According to a senior official of OGDCL, "we will have to drill about 25 to 30 more exploratory wells in the areas to determine the exact reservoirs of gas and it will take us up to three years. We are committed to our task and hopefully once necessary explorations commenced we will get between 150 to 250 mmcfd per day gas from the Zin Block," the official added.
"This discovery will add to the hydrocarbon reserves base of the company and its joint venture partner," said the company secretary. Asim Hussain while congratulating the OGDCL and GHPL said the government is providing substantial incentives to the oil and gas exploration companies. He said successful road shows were held in USA and UK to attract foreign oil and gas exploration companies. Hussain emphasised on balancing the current energy mix of Pakistan, which is heavily dependent on natural gas. Advisor on petroleum expressed confidence that this discovery will add to the hydrocarbon reserves base of the JV partners, bringing significant earnings for the country.