Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has discovered natural gas reserves during exploration of Shekhan well-1. -File Photo
ISLAMABAD A bit of good news for the energy-starved nation — the state-run Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has discovered significant natural gas reserves in the heart of Kohat city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to a statement issued by the company on Friday, the discovery was made during exploration of Shekhan well-1 which produced 15 million cubic feet of gas (MMCFD) through 32/64 inch choke size at wellhead flowing at a remarkable pressure of 2,500psi.

Drilling on the premises of Kohat Development Authority is reported to have produced high quality natural gas with 96 per cent methane and 1,041 British thermal unit (BTU) per cubic feet of heating value.

A company spokesman said the discovery was made in the third week of June at Lumshiwal, one of three formations identified by technical experts for drilling.

Two more formations to be explored over the next few months are expected to produce more gas and may yield even better results.

Operated by OGDCL, Kohat Exploration Licence is a joint venture of Tullow Pakistan, Mari Gas Company and SAIF Energy Limited.

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