Second Waziristan block discovery lifts gas production

Production has commenced from the Spinwam-1 exploratory well in the Waziristan Block, adding 40 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas and around 200 barrels per day of condensate to the national supply, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.

The well is part of the Waziristan Joint Venture (JV), operated by Mari Energies Limited (Mari Energies), with partners Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Orient Petroleum Inc. The JV holds participating interests of 55%, 35% and 10%, respectively.

With the addition from Spinwam-1, total gas supply from the Waziristan Block has reached approximately 100 MMCFD, along with around 800 barrels per day of condensate, which is being fed into the national gas network.

The development follows the earlier Shewa-1 discovery, making Spinwam-1 the second successful exploratory well in the block. An inauguration ceremony was held at the Mari Energies head office and attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik. He said discoveries such as Spinwam-1 contributed to strengthening Pakistan's energy security, reducing reliance on imports and supporting economic stability.

The minister also acknowledged the role of law enforcement agencies (LEAs), exploration and production (E&P) companies and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) teams, stating that their efforts and sacrifices had enabled continued operations in challenging conditions.

Malik said local E&P companies had stepped up to address supply disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Pakistan had managed the situation better than several countries in the region. He also said fertiliser supply had been maintained and prices remained lower compared to regional levels. Production from Spinwam-1 has been supported by completion of an SNGPL transmission pipeline linking the Shewa-1 and Spinwam-1 discoveries with the national grid.