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Pakistan Oil Reserves Dwindle New Discovery in Sindh

Pakistan Oil Reserves Dwindle New Discovery in Sindh

Pakistan Consumes 80% of the Discovered Oil Reserves, pushing for New Exploration

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has already used up nearly 80 percent of its discovered oil reserves, raising concerns about long-term energy security, according to a new report by the Auditor General of Pakistan.

So far, the country has recorded 1,234 million barrels of oil reserves, of which only a fraction remains. Provincial data shows that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa holds the largest share with 94.24 million barrels, followed by Sindh with 78.98 million, Punjab with 74.23 million, and Balochistan with just 1.6 million barrels left.

Currently, Pakistan produces around 60,000 barrels per day. Experts believe this figure could rise significantly if fresh discoveries are made. To accelerate exploration, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is courting international oil and gas companies.

Despite dwindling reserves, the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates Pakistan still has 9.1 billion barrels of untapped oil resources. With national energy demand expected to jump from 2.23 billion barrels in 2030 to 3.35 billion barrels, officials warn that finding new reserves is crucial.

“Bringing in international expertise to tap fresh reserves could transform Pakistan’s economy, cut reliance on imports, and secure the country’s energy future,” said an official familiar with the efforts.

New Oil Discovery in Sindh
In a positive development, the Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has announced a new oil discovery at the Chakrun-1 exploratory well in Tando Allah Yar, Sindh.

The discovery was made under the Tando Allah Yar Exploration License, where OGDCL holds a 95% stake and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) has 5%. Drilling began on June 2, 2025, and reached a depth of 1,926 meters in the Lower Goru Formation.

Reservoir tests showed encouraging results, with the well producing 275 barrels of oil per day through a 32/64-inch choke at a wellhead pressure of 400 psi.

Energy analysts say such discoveries highlight Pakistan’s potential, but sustained exploration and foreign investment will be key to meeting the country’s growing energy needs.

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