By SKM
March 26, 2026
ISLAMABAD — Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) on Thursday announced a fresh natural gas discovery at its Sahito-1 exploratory well in the Khewari Exploration License in Khairpur, offering a timely boost to Pakistan’s strained energy sector.
The state-run explorer said initial evaluation based on wireline log interpretation confirmed commercially viable gas reserves in the Lower Goru Formation, within the Massive Sand interval. Testing through Drill Stem Testing (DST) produced a flow rate of 17.2 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD), with a wellhead flowing pressure of 3,390 pounds per square inch (psi) at a choke size of 32/64 inches—signaling strong reservoir potential.
OGDC, which holds a 95 percent working interest and operates the well, described the discovery as a key step forward in its exploration drive. Its partner, Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL), holds the remaining 5 percent carried interest.
Drilled to a total depth of 3,870 meters true vertical depth (TVD), the Sahito-1 well was spudded on December 24, 2025, targeting formations within the Sembar Formation using OGDC’s in-house expertise.
The discovery comes at a critical time for Pakistan, which is grappling with a persistent gap between gas demand and supply, forcing increased reliance on expensive imported fuels. While the addition of 17.2 MMSCFD is relatively modest compared to national demand, analysts say it can still help ease pressure on the system, particularly if followed by further finds in the region.
Energy experts note that continued success in mature hydrocarbon basins like Sindh is vital for long-term energy stability. The Lower Goru Formation has historically been a prolific gas-producing zone, raising hopes that the latest find could signal more untapped reserves.
OGDC said further appraisal will be carried out to assess the full potential of the discovery and determine timelines for bringing the well into production.
The find adds momentum to Pakistan’s broader push to ramp up domestic exploration as authorities seek to cut import dependence and strengthen energy security amid ongoing economic challenges.
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