Mari Gas strikes 'black gold' between KP and Punjab

Crude oil uncovered near Mianwali; possibility of extracting 1,700 barrels/day.

ISLAMABAD: Mari Gas Company Limited (MGCL) made a significant crude oil discovery on Thursday, with the additional potential of Associated Gas, during the drilling of Halini Well in its operated Karak Exploration Block.

The Block is located at the borders of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces (between the districts of Karak and Mianwali). The discovery is estimated to accrue huge foreign exchange savings which could range in billions of dollars at the current oil price trend and thus contribute towards the nation's endeavor to reduce dependence on imported energy.

Federal Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain congratulated Lt Gen (R) Raza Muhammad Khan, Managing Director/CEO of Mari Gas Company Limited (MGCL) on the significant discovery.

MD, MGCL called on the Minister Thursday at Minister's Office. Secretary Petroleum Muhammad Ejaz Chaudhry was also present on the occasion.

Dr Asim Hussain congratulated Mari Gas Company on this achievement and assured him that his Ministry would facilitate MGCL’s efforts regarding exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the country.

The Halini Well was spud on January 7, 2011. The well has been drilled up to a depth of 5,350 meters. During the initial short duration tests carried out, the well flowed at the average rate of 1,700 barrels/day Crude Oil of API gravity 26 at 32/64" choke size.

The flow rates from the well, are expected to increase with further testing and stimulation treatment which is planned to be conducted, shortly. The prospect is estimated to spread over a large area and the Company is planning to drill additional wells to delineate the exact extent, size and reserves potential of this oil discovery.

The Karak Block was granted to MGCL, as operator and 100% interest owner, on April 14, 2005. Subsequently MOL Pakistan Oil & Gas Company B.V. (an E&P Company of Hungary) acquired 40% interest share in the Block from MGCL.

MGCL had also made a gas/condensate discovery last year in its 100% operated Sujawal Block in Sindh which is being put on test production by installing early production facilities. MGCL also discovered the first ever oil reserves in Balochistan when it's Ziarat well flowed Crude Oil which is currently being evaluated/appraised for bringing it on production. Other recent discovery of gas by MGCL in its Sukkur Block's Koonj Well has also been put on test production for gas supply to SNGPL.

It was also decided that 44 MMCF/D gas from Mari Deep Reservoir would be provided to SNGPL.