PPL Discovers Gas and Condensate in Sujawal, Opening a New Hydrocarbon Play
Pakistan – Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has made a significant discovery of gas and condensate in the Sirani Block, District Sujawal, Sindh. This achievement marks the first-ever hydrocarbon find from the Jurassic-age Chiltan Formation in the Lower Indus Basin, according to a press release issued on August 17, 2026.
The Dolphin X-1 well, operated by PPL, was spudded on April 17, 2026, and reached a measured depth of 3,850 meters to test the Chiltan Formation’s hydrocarbon potential. Drilling results and wireline log data indicated a hydrocarbon-bearing zone. During testing, the formation flowed gas with a heating value of approximately 1,000 British thermal units per standard cubic foot at a rate of 0.942 million standard cubic feet per day, with a wellhead flowing pressure of 211 pounds per square inch gauge and a choke size of 32/64-inch.
PPL operates the Sirani Block with a 75% working interest, while Government Holdings (Private) Limited holds the remaining 25%. The discovery is considered a game-changer as it opens up a new exploration frontier in the previously inaccessible marshy area and its potential offshore extensions.
The company credited the Pakistan Navy’s support for making this outcome possible. PPL plans to conduct further detailed evaluations, including geological, geophysical, and reservoir engineering studies, to assess the full potential of this discovery. This success highlights PPL’s commitment to exploring challenging areas and contributing to Pakistan’s energy security.
