By SKM
March 4, 2026
ISLAMABAD: In a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s energy sector, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has announced a significant oil and gas discovery in Kohat, with its Baragzai X-01 (Slant) well producing 3,765 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) and 11.2 million standard cubic feet per day (MMcfd) of gas during testing.
The discovery was made in the Lockhart Limestone formation at the Nashpa Exploration Licence in District Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During a cased-hole Drill Stem Test (DST-05), the well flowed through a 32/64-inch choke at a robust wellhead flowing pressure of 4,080 psig — a strong indicator of commercial potential.
The company formally notified the Pakistan Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange of the development.
OGDCL operates the block with a 65 percent working interest, alongside joint venture partners Pakistan Petroleum Limited (30 percent) and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (5 percent carried interest).
Spudded on December 30, 2024, the well was drilled to a total depth of 5,170 meters into the Kingriali Formation to test multiple hydrocarbon-rich horizons, including Lockhart, Hangu, Lumshiwal, Samana Suk, Shinawari and Datta formations.
Importantly, earlier drill stem tests in several of these formations had also yielded oil and gas flows, pointing to stacked reservoir potential and enhancing the commercial outlook of the Nashpa block.
The latest strike is being viewed as a timely addition to Pakistan’s indigenous energy supplies, offering support to efforts aimed at curbing fuel imports and strengthening energy security amid persistent external account pressures.
Industry observers say the discovery reinforces Kohat’s growing profile as a promising hydrocarbon hub and signals sustained exploration momentum in the region. Ends
