Sindh’s Sajawal Unveils Promising Natural Gas Reserves, Easing Pakistan’s Energy Struggles
In a major development, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), the state-owned petroleum giant, has announced the discovery of substantial natural gas reserves in the Sajawal district of Sindh, providing a crucial boost to the nation grappling with a persistent gas shortage.
The breakthrough occurred during drilling operations at the Shah Bandar in Jhum East One location, where PPL conducted drilling operations to a depth of 2,545 meters. Preliminary testing yielded promising results, with a wellhead flowing pressure recorded at 13.69 million standard cubic feet and a potential daily production of 236 barrels. Ongoing drilling, overseen by experts, aims to further explore and maximize the newfound resource’s potential.
A spokesperson for PPL highlighted the positive impact of this discovery, emphasizing its role in increasing hydrocarbon reserves and addressing the energy crisis in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector. The collaborative efforts of PPL with Murree Petroleum, Sindh Energy Holding, and Government Holding Private Limited played a crucial role in the excavation process at the Shah Bandar well.
The timing of this discovery is significant as Pakistan faces a growing trade deficit, primarily due to substantial imports of oil and gas to meet energy demands. The reliance on costly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports during winter has further strained the economy, leading to domestic price hikes and inflation.
Addressing these challenges, the newfound natural gas reserves offer a domestic solution to Pakistan’s energy needs. Utilizing indigenous resources could not only mitigate the trade deficit but also reduce reliance on international lenders for loans, providing a more sustainable solution to the nation’s energy demands.
