Pakistan awards six exploration blocks

By an OGJ correspondent
KARACHI, Feb. 5--Pakistan granted exploration rights on six blocks in Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab provinces to three local oil companies.

Oil & Gas Development Co. Ltd. (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Ltd. (PPL), and Pakistan Oil Fields Ltd. (POL) made firm work commitments at a minimum cost of $25.42 million.

A major part of the Lakhi Rud Block awarded to OGDCL is in District Loralai, Balochistan province, while its Mari East block is in District Ghotki, Sindh province. PPL's blocks Kharan and Kharan East are in District Kharan, Balochistan province. POL's Rajanpur Block is in District Rajanpur, and its DG Khan Block is mainly in District DG Khan, Punjab province.

Total area of the six blocks is 13,599 sq km. Authorities will closely monitor work to ensure timely completion of exploration.

Work on other exploration blocks is being expedited to enhance local oil and gas production, which is currently 52% of Pakistan’s primary energy supply.