KARACHI: Oil & Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDC), Pakistan’s largest exploration and production (E&P) firm, has increased oil production at its Pasakhi-7 well and commenced gas production from the Chak 212-1 exploratory well, it said in a statement to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday.

The Pasakhi-7 well, located in Hyderabad district, Sindh, saw output rise to 520 barrels per day (bpd), up 145bpd from the previous 375bpd. The boost followed optimisation measures including tubing replacement, well re-completion using an artificial lift system, and the first-ever application of multiphysio chemical stimulation technology in the southern region.

In Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan district, OGDC initiated gas production from the Chak 212-1 well in the Mari East Block. The exploratory well marks the first discovery in the block, with OGDCL holding a 100 per cent interest.

Gas from Chak 212-1 is being supplied to Engro Fertilizer via a newly laid 14.5-kilometer flow line, with an initial supply of two million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd). “OGDCL remains focused on optimizing production, ensuring energy security and fostering sustainable development,” the company said. The state-owned firm is Pakistan’s largest oil and gas producer, holding over 40 per cent of the country’s awarded exploration acreage. The government owns a 67 per cent stake in OGDCL, followed by the OGDC Employee Empowerment Trust and the Privatisation Commission of Pakistan.