title:Pakistan TAL Block Gas Discovery at Bilitang-1 Well Kohat
ISLAMABAD: The TAL Joint Venture has struck gas in the Lockhart Formationat its Bilitang-1 exploratory well in Kohat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,sparking optimism about bolstering Pakistan’s dwindling indigenoushydrocarbon reserves amid rising energy demands. Announced through a formalnotification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange by Pakistan Petroleum Limited,this find arrives at a critical juncture when the country seeks to reducereliance on costly imported fuels. Initial reports highlight successfultesting in targeted geological layers, raising expectations for commercialviability and further exploration potential in this prolific block.
The discovery follows intensive drilling operations that commenced onAugust 10, 2025, with the well reaching a total depth of 4,011 meters truevertical depth. Wireline logging and other data interpretation confirmedthe presence of hydrocarbons primarily in the Lockhart Formation, the mainexploratory objective. Earlier notifications also indicated gas flows fromoverlying Hangu and Lumshiwal formations, suggesting multiple productivezones. Such layered potential underscores the geological complexity andrichness of the Kohat region, where tectonic structures have historicallyfavored hydrocarbon accumulation.
Led by MOL Pakistan Oil & Gas Co. B.V. as operator holding 10 percentworking interest, the joint venture comprises key national playersincluding Oil & Gas Development Company Limited and Pakistan PetroleumLimited with 30 percent each, Pakistan Oilfields Limited with 25 percent,and Government Holdings Private Limited with 5 percent. This consortiumstructure ensures shared risks and expertise, reflecting a strategicpartnership that has sustained exploration momentum in northern Pakistandespite challenging terrain and security considerations.
The TAL Block stands out as one of Pakistan’s most successful onshoreexploration areas over the past two decades. Since MOL assumedoperatorship, the block has witnessed multiple discoveries, contributingsignificantly to national production. MOL Pakistan has announced over adozen commercial finds since 2002, with the block accounting forsubstantial portions of the country’s gas, condensate, and LPG output.Recent successes, including triple discoveries in 2024 at Razgir-1,demonstrate continued upside in mature fields through advanced technologyand persistent efforts.
Industry analysts view the Bilitang-1 result as a timely boost toPakistan’s energy security strategy. The country faces persistent naturalgas shortages, with domestic production declining due to natural depletionin older fields. New discoveries like this help mitigate the gap,potentially adding to reserves and delaying the need for additionalliquefied natural gas imports that strain foreign exchange reserves.Experts estimate that incremental local supplies could stabilize supplychains and support industrial growth in energy-intensive sectors.
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Further testing, including planned drill stem tests in the LockhartFormation, will determine flow rates and reservoir characteristicsessential for commercial assessment. While initial data remainspreliminary, the de-risking of deeper plays in the block opens avenues forfuture drilling campaigns. The joint venture has emphasized ongoingcommitment to sharing material developments, indicating a phased approachtoward appraisal and development to maximize recovery.
This announcement aligns with broader trends in Pakistan’s upstream sector,where consecutive discoveries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have marked positivemomentum. The region’s geology, featuring formations like Lockhart, Hangu,and Lumshiwal, continues to yield results, reinforcing investor confidence.Successful commercialization of Bilitang-1 could enhance revenue streamsfor partner companies and contribute to fiscal stability through royaltiesand taxes.
Overall, the Bilitang-1 gas discovery represents a step forward inharnessing indigenous resources to address energy challenges. As testingprogresses and potential reserves are quantified, it holds promise forstrengthening Pakistan’s hydrocarbon base, supporting economic resilience,and paving the way for sustained exploration in proven yet underexploredareas.
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