ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has revived production at heavy oil well Rajian-11 by installing an advanced air lift system, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said on Monday.
Extending to 3,774 meters, work at Rajian-11 had been suspended since 2020 due to formation challenges, the company’s filing on PSX said last week.
The oil field is located in District Chakwal and fully owned and operated by OGDCL under Gujar Khan E.L. It was discovered in August 1994 and has remained a key asset in the company’s portfolio.
Crude oil production in Pakistan increased to 64 BBL/D/1K (barrels of crude oil per day per 1,000) in November 2024 from 62 BBL/D/1K in October of 2024. Crude oil production in Pakistan averaged 68.67 BBL/D/1K from 1993 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 97.00 BBL/D/1K in December of 2016 and a record low of 50.00 BBL/D/1K in April of 1999, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
“OGDCL has started oil production from the Rajian-11 heavy oil well located in Chakwal district,” Radio Pakistan reported.
“Rajian-11 heavy oil well had been inactive since 2020 but it has been reactivated with the help of an advanced artificial lift system,” the broadcaster added, referring to the installation of an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP).
The well is expected to produce one thousand barrels of oil per day.
ESP systems are a common and efficient way to lift oil and gas from wells that are too deep or have low pressure for natural flow. A submersible electric motor is placed at the bottom of the well, and it drives a multistage centrifugal pump that lifts the fluids. ESPs are suitable for wells with low bottomhole pressure, low gas/oil ratio, high water cut, and low API gravity fluids.
“This achievement underscores OGDCL’s commitment to maximizing hydrocarbon recovery and operational efficiency, reinforcing its position as a leader in Pakistan’s energy sector,” OGDCL’s PSX filing said.
“The Company successfully completed the well with an ESP in Tobra, Jutana, and Sakesar formations, restoring production to 1,000 barrels per day (BPD) of oil.”
