ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) announced the discovery of a new natural gas reserve in southern Sindh province this week, saying it could significantly contribute to the country’s energy resources.

Last year in June, the Energy Planning Resource Center reported a sharp decline in gas reserves, raising concerns about future gas production and supply in Pakistan.

The center projected that natural gas production might shrink to 2,306 million cubic feet per day by 2030.

Pakistanis have traditionally relied heavily on natural gas for their energy needs. Its significant decline could impact not only the lifestyle of its people but also increase the country’s energy import bill, which has been a major government expenditure.

“By the grace of Almighty Allah, the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) is honored to announce a significant gas-condensate discovery from its exploration efforts at Kharo-1, a well drilled in the Khewari exploration license area, located in District Khairpur, Sindh Province,” the OGDCL said in a note.

“The execution of drilling and testing operations for the Kharo-1 well structure, undertaken with the proprietary expertise of OGDCL, achieved a depth of 3,762 meters,” it added. “Subsequent testing procedures registered 14.3 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas, in addition to 93 barrels per day (bbls/d) of condensate.”

It added the new well had “the potential to significantly enhance the hydrocarbon reserves of OGDCL and its esteemed joint venture partners, and ultimately contribute to the national energy resources of the Country.”

Pakistan is trying to reduce its dependence on energy imports by developing indigenous resources and tapping into alternative energy options.