Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has found a huge gas reserve in Margand block of Kalat, Balochistan, 100% of drilling rights of which are owned by the PPL.
According to the details, PPL had been drilling at Margand X-1 block since June 30, 2019. It carried out Modular Dynamics Testing (MDT) that helps in the detection of gas reserves. PPL further conducted a Drill Stem Test (DST) that revealed that these reserves might potentially exceed 1 trillion cubic feet.
In comparison, Sui has estimated reserves of 2 trillion cubic feet. This is the first significant discovery of gas reserves in Balochistan since 2000 after which companies such as British Petroleum, Petronas and Niko Resources had been trying to tap unexplored reserves.
All companies had, however, failed to discover reserves this large and pulled out of the country.
Furthermore, little to no attention was given during the tenures of previous governments to exploit the domestic wealth of minerals and fulfil the energy needs of the country. Instead, dubious contracts like rental power plants and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) power plants were signed, which the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has been investigating.
Pakistan can save more than $900 million on the import bill if Margand gas reserves replace LNG, which costs domestic consumers 100% more than Sui gas, a former board director of the PPL has said.
