February 20, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan’s state-run explorer Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (PSX: OGDC) has discovered new oil and gas reserves at the Baragzai X-01 (Slant) well in the Nashpa Block.

This is a development that could modestly ease the country’s chronic energy shortfall.

The well, located in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, yielded both crude oil and natural gas from the Lumshiwal formation during testing, according to a regulatory .

OGDC, which operates the block with a 65% working interest, is partnered by Pakistan Petroleum Limited holding 30% and Government Holdings (Private) Limited with a 5% carried interest.

During a cased-hole drill stem test conducted across the Hangu and Lumshiwal formations, the well produced:

• Oil: 225 barrels per day (BOPD)

• Gas: 1.01 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD)

• Choke size: 32/64 inches

• Wellhead flowing pressure: 190 psig

While not a mega discovery, the flow rates indicate commercially viable hydrocarbons and reinforce the Nashpa area’s prospectivity.

Spudded on December 30, 2024, the exploratory well was drilled to a total depth of 5,170 meters, penetrating the Kingriali formation after testing a stack of hydrocarbon targets, including Lockhart, Hangu, Lumshiwal, Samana Suk, Shinawari, Datta, and Kingriali.

Earlier testing in deeper formations, Kingriali, Datta, and Samana Suk plus Shinawari, had already yielded oil and gas, suggesting a multi-zone petroleum system.

OGDC said the new reserves would contribute to narrowing the supply-demand gap and strengthening the country’s hydrocarbon base.

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