ISLAMABAD: Mari Energies Limited has reported a promising gas discovery atthe Tibri-1 exploratory well in the Kalchas South Block situated in DeraBugti district of Balochistan province. This marks the first successfuldrilling outcome in the block and comes amid ongoing efforts to enhancedomestic hydrocarbon production. The announcement submitted to the PakistanStock Exchange highlights initial testing results showing substantial gasflows potentially strengthening national energy security. Experts view thefind as a timely boost for the sector facing import dependency challenges.
The Kalchas South Block operates under a joint venture structure led byUnited Energy Pakistan Limited holding forty-six percent working interest.Mari Energies maintains a forty-four percent stake while Dewan PetroleumPrivate Limited owns the remaining ten percent. This partnership reflectscollaborative investment in frontier exploration areas of Balochistan wheregeological potential remains largely untapped. The block’s location in ageologically promising zone has drawn attention from multiple operatorsseeking to diversify Pakistan’s resource base beyond traditional fields inSindh and Punjab.
Drilling operations at Tibri-1 commenced on November eleven twentytwenty-five with the well spudded to target prospective formations. Theexploratory effort reached a total depth of seven thousand one hundredseventy feet demonstrating technical commitment in challenging terrain. Asthe inaugural well in the block Tibri-1 encountered hydrocarbon-bearingzones during drilling phases. Subsequent testing confirmed gas presencewith preliminary flow rates reported up to eleven million standard cubicfeet per day in initial assessments according to industry filings and mediareports.
This discovery assumes added significance within Pakistan’s broader energylandscape where natural gas constitutes a major portion of primary energysupply. The country continues to grapple with declining production frommature fields necessitating fresh finds to narrow the supply-demand gap.Recent years have witnessed intensified exploration activities spurred bypolicy incentives and international partnerships. Mari Energies’ success atTibri-1 aligns with similar announcements from other operators underscoringgradual progress in revitalizing the upstream sector despite security andlogistical constraints in certain regions.
Mari Energies formerly known as Mari Petroleum Company Limited ranks amongPakistan’s leading exploration and production entities with a strong trackrecord in the Mari gas field and other blocks. The company has pursuedaggressive drilling campaigns across onshore acreage contributing tomultiple discoveries in recent periods. Its involvement in Kalchas Souththrough substantial equity participation reflects strategic focus onhigh-potential blocks in Balochistan. Analysts note that consistentexploration success supports Mari Energies’ market position and shareholdervalue amid volatile global energy prices.
The Tibri-1 outcome follows a pattern of positive results in Balochistan’sexploration frontier where several blocks have yielded hydrocarbons in thepast decade. While challenges such as remote access and communityengagement persist government initiatives aim to facilitate investmentthrough improved fiscal terms and security arrangements. This find couldencourage further appraisal drilling to delineate reserves and assesscommercial viability. Successful development would contribute to localemployment and infrastructure in Dera Bugti district fostering economicspillover effects.
Pakistan’s overall gas production has faced downward pressure promptingreliance on liquefied natural gas imports which strain foreign exchangereserves. Domestic discoveries like Tibri-1 offer partial mitigation byaugmenting indigenous supplies and reducing import bills over time.Industry observers anticipate that appraisal programs following thisannouncement will provide clearer estimates of recoverable volumes.Integration into the national grid would depend on pipeline connectivityand processing facilities underscoring the need for coordinated midstreamdevelopment.
The announcement has drawn positive market response with implications forenergy sector stocks listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Investorsmonitor such developments closely as they signal potential growth inreserves and future revenues for involved companies. Mari Energies’disclosure complies with regulatory requirements ensuring transparency forshareholders. As testing and evaluation continue further updates areexpected to refine understanding of the discovery’s scale and economicpotential.
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Broader implications extend to national energy policy where emphasis onexploration and production remains critical. Authorities have awarded newblocks and encouraged joint ventures to accelerate resource identification.The Kalchas South success exemplifies benefits of such collaborationsbringing together local expertise and operational capabilities. Sustainedmomentum in discoveries could gradually alleviate energy shortagessupporting industrial growth and household access across provinces.
In context of regional dynamics Balochistan holds strategic importance forPakistan’s hydrocarbon prospects with several unexplored or underexploredblocks. Enhanced exploration activity contributes to long-term energyindependence objectives while creating opportunities for technologytransfer and skill development. The Tibri-1 gas discovery represents aconcrete step forward reinforcing confidence in the province’s resourceendowment despite prevailing complexities.
Source:https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/01/26/mari-energies-announces-gas-discovery-at-tibri-1-well-in-balochistan
Energy Pakistan, gas discovery
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