By SKM
October 1, 2025
ISLAMABAD: In a major development for Pakistan’s energy sector, Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has announced a substantial discovery of gas and condensate at its Bitrism East-1 exploratory well in Khairpur district, Sindh — a breakthrough that could help reduce the country’s growing reliance on energy imports and strengthen its domestic reserves.
According to OGDC, the newly discovered well has the potential to produce 22.5 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of natural gas and 690 barrels per day (BCD) of condensate — a light hydrocarbon liquid often used in petrochemical production and fuel blending. The company reported that this output was achieved through a 32/64” choke, a strong indicator of the reservoir’s commercial viability.
The well was spudded on June 30, 2025, and drilled to a depth of 3,800 meters into the Sembar Formation. OGDC, Pakistan’s largest state-owned exploration and production company, holds a 95% working interest in the Bitrism Exploration License, with the remaining 5% held by Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL).
Using its own technical expertise, OGDC conducted two Drill Stem Tests (DSTs) in the Lower Goru Formation, specifically targeting the Massive and Basal Sands. Both intervals tested positive for hydrocarbons, confirming the presence of significant reserves. The tests were carried out after analyzing wireline log interpretations, which indicated strong potential for gas-bearing zones.
“This is a significant milestone in our exploration campaign,” OGDC said in a statement. “The successful outcome not only adds to the company’s hydrocarbon reserves but also supports the national objective of enhancing indigenous energy production.”
Pakistan has long struggled with a widening energy deficit, relying heavily on expensive imported LNG and petroleum products to meet domestic demand. The country’s energy import bill has ballooned in recent years, putting pressure on foreign exchange reserves and contributing to fiscal instability.
Discoveries like Bitrism East-1 could help shift that balance. Experts say that tapping into local reserves not only reduces import dependence but also stabilizes energy prices, boosts investor confidence, and creates jobs in upstream and midstream energy sectors.
OGDC emphasized that the success of Bitrism East-1 reflects the company’s strategic focus on aggressively exploring underdeveloped regions and using in-house capabilities to reduce exploration costs. Sindh, with its proven track record in gas production, remains a key frontier in OGDC’s exploration portfolio.
A Win for Energy Security
The discovery aligns with the government’s long-term strategy to achieve greater energy self-sufficiency. OGDC’s exploration success not only strengthens national reserves but also contributes to energy security at a time when global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions and fluctuating prices.
As Pakistan continues to industrialize and urbanize, the demand for affordable, locally sourced energy is expected to rise sharply. Experts believe that fast-tracking development of such newly discovered wells and connecting them to the national grid will be crucial in meeting this rising demand sustainably.
With this latest find, OGDC reaffirms its leading role in Pakistan’s upstream energy landscape — delivering results that matter not only to investors and industry players but to every household dependent on stable and affordable energy. Ends
