ISLAMABAD – The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has begun producing oil from its Pasakhi-13 development well in Hyderabad, Pakistan, marking a significant milestone as the nation’s first successful horizontal oil well drilled into a clastic reservoir. The new well is currently yielding 460 barrels of oil per day (BPD), a substantial increase over comparable wells in the area, and represents a step forward in Pakistan’s efforts to bolster its domestic energy production. This development comes at a critical time for Pakistan, which faces ongoing challenges related to energy security and import dependence.
The Pasakhi-13 well, reaching a measured depth of 2,966 meters with a 546-meter horizontal section, utilized advanced geo-steering technology to navigate a narrow, three-meter drilling window. This precision allowed engineers to optimally position the well within the reservoir’s most productive zone, maximizing oil extraction. According to OGDCL, the horizontal drilling approach has resulted in nearly three times the production seen in offset wells operating under similar conditions. The company completed and tested the well using a short-string electric submersible pump (ESP) specifically designed for horizontal well configurations.
A Technological First for Pakistan’s Oil Sector
The success of Pasakhi-13 is particularly noteworthy since it represents the first time horizontal drilling has been successfully applied to a clastic reservoir in Pakistan. Clastic reservoirs, formed from the accumulation of rock fragments, often present unique challenges for oil extraction due to their complex geological structures. Horizontal drilling, which allows wells to travel parallel to the reservoir layer for extended distances, can significantly increase exposure to the oil-bearing rock, boosting production. The application of this technology in Pakistan demonstrates a growing sophistication within the country’s oil and gas industry.
OGDCL holds a 100 percent working interest in the Pasakhi and Pasakhi North Development and Production Lease, where Pasakhi-13 is located. This full ownership allows the company to directly benefit from the increased production and demonstrates its commitment to investing in domestic energy resources. The company’s statement emphasizes its dedication to innovation and the deployment of advanced technologies aligned with global standards. OGDCL is a publicly listed company and a major player in Pakistan’s energy sector.
Boosting Indigenous Hydrocarbon Production
Pakistan has long relied on imports to meet a significant portion of its energy needs. Increasing domestic oil and gas production is therefore a key priority for the government. According to data from the Petroleum Planning & Development Company (PPDC), Pakistan’s crude oil production in the fiscal year 2023-24 was approximately 28.7 million barrels. While this represents a modest increase from previous years, the country still imports a substantial amount of crude oil to meet its demand. The Pasakhi-13 well, while not a massive discovery, contributes to this ongoing effort to reduce reliance on foreign sources.
The enhanced production achieved through horizontal drilling is particularly encouraging. Traditional vertical wells often struggle to efficiently drain oil from complex reservoirs. By maximizing reservoir exposure, horizontal drilling unlocks previously inaccessible reserves, extending the lifespan of existing fields and potentially opening up new exploration opportunities. The success at Pasakhi-13 could pave the way for the wider adoption of this technology across Pakistan’s oil and gas sector.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the positive news, challenges remain. The statement from OGDCL acknowledges that Pasakhi-13 operated under “challenging reservoir conditions.” These conditions, which were not specifically detailed, likely refer to the geological complexity of the reservoir and the properties of the oil itself. Overcoming these challenges required the application of advanced technologies and expertise. Further investment in research and development will be crucial to address similar challenges in other potential oil-bearing formations across Pakistan.
The company’s commitment to technical excellence and global standards is a positive sign. Continued collaboration with international partners and the adoption of best practices will be essential to unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s hydrocarbon resources. The Pasakhi-13 well serves as a proof of concept, demonstrating the viability of horizontal drilling in Pakistan’s unique geological environment. The next step will be to assess the long-term performance of the well and to explore opportunities to replicate this success in other areas.
OGDCL has not yet announced specific plans for further drilling in the Pasakhi area, but the company is actively engaged in exploration and development activities across Pakistan. Investors and stakeholders can locate updated information on OGDCL’s activities and financial performance on the company’s investor relations website. The company’s ongoing efforts are vital to ensuring Pakistan’s long-term energy security and economic stability.
The successful commencement of oil production from Pasakhi-13 is a welcome development for Pakistan’s energy sector. It demonstrates the potential of innovative technologies to unlock domestic resources and reduce reliance on imports. As OGDCL continues to refine its techniques and explore new opportunities, Pakistan can look forward to a more secure and sustainable energy future.
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