Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has commenced gas production from the Upper Sand (C-Sand) reservoir of the Pateji X-1 well under an Extended Well Testing (EWT) arrangement, effective April 1, 2025. The development follows the company’s earlier announcement on November 29, 2024, regarding the discovery of gas and condensate from the exploratory well located in the Shah Bandar Block.
Shah Bandar Block and Joint Venture Details
The Shah Bandar Block, situated in Sindh’s southernmost region within the Lower Indus Basin, is operated by PPL, which holds a 63% working interest. The remaining stakes are held by joint venture partners Mari Energies Limited (32%), Sindh Energy Holding Company Limited (2.5%), and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (2.5%), according to the company’s filing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).
Gas Processing and Infrastructure
The joint venture has decided to process the gas from the Pateji X-1 discovery at Mari Energies Limited’s Sujawal Gas Processing Facility (SGPF). The processed gas will then be injected into the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) network. To enable this, a 40-kilometer, 8-inch diameter flowline has been installed, connecting the Pateji X-1 wellhead to the SGPF.
Production Potential and Economic Impact
The arrangement has the potential to ramp up production to 10 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd), contributing significantly to reducing the gap between energy supply and demand. The production of indigenous hydrocarbons is also expected to conserve foreign exchange by reducing reliance on imported energy.
PPL emphasized its commitment to enhancing hydrocarbon production in a cost-effective manner to ensure long-term energy security for Pakistan and support the country’s economic growth.
