MOL energy operations remain unaffected: POL

Says militant attack caused slight reduction in per day gas and oil production

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL) has confirmed that despite a recent militant attack on an energy facility, all plants and field installations of MOL, the operator of the TAL Block, have remained secure and unaffected.

In a notice sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, POL stated that on May 23, 2023, an armed attack took place at the Manzalai-08 and Manzalai-10 well sites during late hours. Tragically, six personnel lost their lives while displaying immense bravery. POL, holding a 25% working interest in the TAL Block, reported the incident.

Immediately after the attack, both wells were shut down from the central control room to prevent any damage caused by firing. As a result, gas production decreased by approximately 4 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd), and oil production reduced by 24 barrels per day (bpd).

However, despite the incident, the notice assured that “all other plants and field installations remained secure, and hydrocarbon production from the unaffected wells was operating normally.”

The attack occurred on Tuesday when militants targeted a natural gas and oil extraction plant operated by MOL Oil and Gas Company in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Reports suggest that the militants employed heavy weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades, specifically targeting the M-8 and M-10 wells.

While security guards at the M-8 well successfully repelled the attack, casualties were reported at the M-10 well. The militants also caused damage to a solar power plant within the gas power facility before fleeing to North Waziristan. The TAL Block, in which MOL holds an 8.4% share, is part of a joint venture involving OGDCL, PPL, POL, and GHP.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2023.

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