Karachi: Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has reported a significant technical milestone with the discovery of unconventional gas at its LAL X-1 exploratory well in Kashmore, Sindh. The well, drilled to a depth of 1,408 meters, tapped hydrocarbons from the Lower Alabaster Formation—a geological layer previously considered challenging for extraction.
Initial testing of the well indicated a gas flow rate of 0.138 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) with a wellhead pressure of 33 psig on a 64/64-inch choke. While modest in volume, industry analysts consider the find an important demonstration of technical capability in extracting hydrocarbons from tight limestone and shale formations.
PPL holds a 100 percent working interest in the Kandhkot lease, ensuring that all revenue from the well will remain with the company. The discovery follows PPL’s recent Sawan North Deep-1 find in Khairpur and adds to Pakistan’s efforts to develop domestic gas resources amid widening supply-demand gaps and rising LNG import costs.
Officials have stressed that commercial production from LAL X-1 is not immediate. The company stated that the well’s commercial viability will be determined based on post-well analysis and results from future exploration of the Lower Alabaster Play. Next steps will include evaluating total reserves and assessing the feasibility of advanced extraction methods such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.
If proven commercially viable, the LAL X-1 discovery could lead to the development of additional wells in the region, providing a domestic source of natural gas to support Pakistan’s national grid.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
