ISLAMABAD: Mari Energies Limited has announced a major gas and condensate discovery at its Shams-1 exploratory well in Ghotki district of Sindh marking a timely boost to Pakistan’s struggling energy sector.
The well spudded on January 30 2026 reached a total depth of 3075 metres and tested at an impressive flow rate of 47.98 million standard cubic feet per day of gas along with 64 barrels per day of condensate.
Company officials confirmed the find targets the Lower Goru-B sands and operates under the Mari Development and Production Lease where Mari Energies holds full ownership.
Shareholders received immediate notification through a Pakistan Stock Exchange filing highlighting the discovery’s potential to narrow the widening gap between national gas demand and supply.
Pakistan currently faces a chronic shortfall with domestic production hovering around 3000 to 3200 million cubic feet per day while total demand often exceeds 3500 to 4000 million cubic feet daily.
Experts estimate the annual shortfall costs the economy billions in LNG imports and contributes to circular debt exceeding trillions of rupees.
Mari Energies already commands nearly 31 percent of the country’s gas production share and operates the historic Mari field in nearby Daharki which holds one of the largest proven reserves in Pakistan.
This new success builds on the company’s strong exploration track record boasting a 70 percent success rate far above the national average of 33 percent.
Analysts project that consistent output from Shams-1 could add meaningful volumes to the national grid once development and tie-in pipelines are completed.
The discovery comes amid broader efforts by exploration firms to reverse declining local reserves that have dropped at an average annual rate of five percent over the past decade.
Fertiliser plants which rely heavily on Mari-supplied gas for over 90 percent of urea production stand to benefit directly reducing import dependence for agricultural inputs.
Economists note that each additional million cubic feet of indigenous gas saves substantial foreign exchange while supporting industrial growth and power generation stability.
Ghotki district already hosts key infrastructure from Mari’s long-standing operations creating synergies for rapid commercialisation of the new well.
Technical details shared indicate a stabilised wellhead flowing pressure of 2404 pounds per square inch gauge confirming reservoir quality suitable for sustained production.
Mari Energies maintains a robust reserves base exceeding 950 million barrels of oil equivalent with a healthy reserves-to-production ratio of around 20 years.
Previous discoveries in the same lease area including recent finds at Mari Ghazij and Shawal wells have steadily enhanced output reaching record highs above 950 million cubic feet daily in recent weeks.
Government sources emphasise such indigenous finds align with national priorities to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on imported liquefied natural gas which has seen volumes fluctuate due to pricing and contractual challenges.
Development plans likely include further appraisal drilling and integration into existing gathering systems to accelerate first gas flow within months.
The announcement has drawn positive market reaction underscoring investor confidence in Mari Energies’ ability to deliver value amid Pakistan’s upstream sector push.
Broader implications extend to employment generation in Sindh where upstream activities support thousands of direct and indirect jobs in exploration drilling and related services.
Environmental assessments will accompany commercial development ensuring compliance with modern standards while maximising resource recovery.
Industry observers highlight that repeated successes by leading operators like Mari Energies signal untapped potential in mature basins such as the Indus Basin where Ghotki sits.
Pakistan’s integrated energy planning documents forecast continued pressure on supplies unless exploration accelerates with fiscal incentives and technology adoption.
This find adds momentum to that narrative reinforcing the role of private sector pioneers in bridging infrastructure gaps.
Long-term the discovery supports Vision 2030 goals of self-reliance in hydrocarbons and contributes to macroeconomic stability by curbing energy import bills.
Mari Energies continues to invest in advanced seismic imaging and drilling technologies maintaining its position as Pakistan’s premier gas producer.
Stakeholders across the value chain from regulators to consumers await detailed development timelines that could unlock further upside in the region.
The event underscores ongoing commitment to unlocking domestic resources at a time when global energy transitions still require reliable transitional fuels like natural gas.
Pakistan’s upstream sector has witnessed several notable finds in recent months yet this one stands out for its scale and strategic location.
Collective efforts by all operators remain crucial to meet projected demand growth driven by economic recovery and population expansion.
Mari Energies’ proactive disclosure and operational excellence set benchmarks for the industry fostering transparency and timely information flow to markets.
As testing data undergoes further evaluation optimism grows around potential reserve upside beyond initial flow rates.
National energy security gains tangible support from such milestones paving the way for reduced vulnerabilities in supply chains.
The discovery reinforces Sindh’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s hydrocarbon landscape hosting legacy fields that continue yielding fresh opportunities through persistent exploration.
Forward-looking statements from the company indicate focused efforts on appraisal and monetisation to deliver maximum value to shareholders and the nation alike.