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Lasmo steps up Pakistan search

Jan. 27, 1997

Lasmo's Pakistan acerage [20358 bytes] Lasmo plc, London, has been awarded three new exploration licenses in Pakistan, where it currently has exploration and production interests. The company acquired a 95% interest and operatorship of Bela South, Bela North, and Kirthar West concessions, with state firm Oil & Gas Development Corp. (OGDC) holding 5%. Bela South lies mainly offshore west of Karachi and covers 6,977 sq km. Immediately to the north is Bela North onshore block, covering 5,083

Lasmo's Pakistan acerage [20358 bytes]

Lasmo plc, London, has been awarded three new exploration licenses in Pakistan, where it currently has exploration and production interests.

The company acquired a 95% interest and operatorship of Bela South, Bela North, and Kirthar West concessions, with state firm Oil & Gas Development Corp. (OGDC) holding 5%.

Bela South lies mainly offshore west of Karachi and covers 6,977 sq km. Immediately to the north is Bela North onshore block, covering 5,083 sq km. North of Karachi lies Kirthar West, which covers 2,151 sq km.

Lasmo has committed to acquire seismic data over the blocks and aims to identify prospects for early drilling.

There has been very little exploration of the acreage, Lasmo said, although other companies are thought to be acquiring seismic data nearby.

Lasmo is currently drilling on Kirthar concession, which adjoins its new Kirthar West tract (see map, p. 31). Here the company is operator and 47.5% interest holder with partners Shell Pakistan Ltd. 47.5% and OGDC 5%.

The current well is designated 2-BHIT, and follows 1-BHIT drilled last year. The earlier well ran into mechanical problems, which prevented completion to target depth, but yielded hydrocarbon shows.

Lasmo is also operator and 18.42% interest holder in Kadanwari gas field, which was brought into production in 1995. Gas from the field is delivered to Pakistan's distribution grid.

Last year the company increased Kadanwari output to 80 MMcfd from 46 MMcfd through well workovers. This year the company plans further development drilling there.