ISLAMABAD: The Mari Petroleum Company Ltd (MPCL) on Tuesday said to have hit a new hydrocarbon deposit in Ghotki, Sindh.

In an announcement issued after approval by the government, the company said it had made a new significant gas discovery resulting from its new exploratory efforts at Tipu-1.

The said well was spud-in on July 5 and successfully drilled down to the depth of 3,944 metres. It was drilled with the objectives to test the hydrocarbon potential of Northern Compartment at Lower Goru B Sand level as well as assess the hydrocarbon potential of probable shale and tight gas potential.

The drill stem tests carried out in Lower Goru “B” Sand, flowed gas at a rate of 15.5 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) at well-head flowing pressure of 2,153 Psi at 40/64 inch choke size. Subsequently during completion integrity test the well produced 21.4 mmcfd gas at the rate of 40/64 inch choke size.

The company said this was the third consecutive new discovery following its earlier two discoveries at SMLlSUL Limestone levels, which have been primarily achieved from the results of extensive investment on acquisition of 1,079 sq km wide and 3D seismic data simultaneously imaging all probable hydrocarbon bearing zones and compartments as well as the presently producing reservoirs.

MPCL is the Operator of Mari Lease Area with 100 per cent working interest share.

It said it was encouraged with the positive results of said seismic data which has identified additional new prospects at different reservoir levels, which the company would drill in the next 2-3 years to chase significant additional hydrocarbon in the area.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2017