ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Petroleum Limited has announced a significant gasdiscovery at the Bilitang-1 exploratory well in the TAL Block, located inKohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This marks the second consecutivehydrocarbon find in the region within days, highlighting the block’ssubstantial potential. The discovery, yielding 1.58 million standard cubicfeet per day of gas, comes amid a series of successful explorations thatare enhancing the nation’s energy security.
The TAL Joint Venture, operated by MOL Pakistan Oil & Gas Co. B.V. with a10 percent working interest, includes Oil & Gas Development Company Limitedand Pakistan Petroleum Limited each holding 30 percent, Pakistan OilfieldsLimited with 25 percent, and Government Holdings Private Limited at 5percent. Drilling commenced on August 10, 2025, reaching a depth of 4,011meters, where gas was confirmed from the Hangu and Lumshiwal formations.
This latest success follows a prior announcement of oil and gas reserves inthe same district, underscoring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s emerging role as a keyhydrocarbon province. Experts note that such discoveries de-risk furtherexploration in the TAL Block, potentially unlocking additional reserves andreducing reliance on imported energy sources.
In 2025, Pakistan’s oil and gas sector demonstrated exceptionalperformance, with proven gas reserves approaching 19 trillion cubic feetand oil reserves exceeding 240 million barrels by mid-year. These figuresreflect a notable increase driven by multiple discoveries across variousblocks, contributing to sustained momentum into 2026.
The sector’s robust activity has positively impacted the Pakistan StockExchange, where exploration and production companies recorded significantgains throughout 2025. Major players like Pakistan Petroleum Limited andOil & Gas Development Company Limited benefited from higher production andfavourable commodity prices, attracting substantial investor interest.
Consecutive discoveries in the TAL Block are expected to add meaningfullyto national reserves, with initial tests indicating stable flow rates undercontrolled conditions. This development aligns with government efforts tobolster domestic production and mitigate the fiscal burden of energyimports.
Analysts project that ongoing explorations could push gas reserves beyond19 trillion cubic feet, while oil reserves may surpass 250 million barrelswith continued success. Such growth would extend the lifespan of indigenousresources and support economic stability.
The TAL Block has a history of productive fields, and this new find opensavenues for accelerated development. Joint venture partners are evaluatingcommercialization options to integrate the discovery into the national gridpromptly.
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Pakistan’s energy landscape is transforming through these indigenous finds,reducing vulnerability to global price fluctuations. The sector’sperformance in 2025, marked by record stock returns and reserve additions,sets a positive trajectory for 2026.
Further drilling and testing in de-risked prospects within the block couldyield additional upside, reinforcing confidence in the country’shydrocarbon potential and attracting more investment in explorationactivities.
Source:https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/01/02/ppl-pol-announce-major-gas-discovery-in-tal-block-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa/
Tags: Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, TAL Block,MOL Pakistan
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