Mari Energies Limited revealed a promising breakthrough on Thursday with the discovery of gas and condensate at its Shams-1 exploratory well situated within the Mari Development and Production Lease (D&PL) area in Ghotki district, Sindh. This development marks a significant milestone for the company and the country’s energy sector, as it highlights the potential for increased domestic hydrocarbon production.
The drilling operation for the Shams-1 well commenced on January 30, 2026, and reached a total depth of 3,075 meters. The primary focus of the exploration was the Lower Goru-B sandstone formations, which are known to be promising reservoirs in the region. Upon testing, the well demonstrated a robust gas flow rate of 47.98 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD), accompanied by a condensate yield of 64 barrels per day. These figures were recorded at a choke size of 64/64 inches, with the wellhead flowing pressure stabilizing at 2,404 pounds per square inch gauge (psig), underscoring the well’s strong production potential.
As the sole operator of the Mari D&PL, Mari Energies holds a 100 percent working interest in this project, reflecting the company’s full control over the exploration and production activities in the area. This discovery not only boosts Mari Energies’ portfolio but also contributes positively to Pakistan’s broader energy security goals by potentially reducing the country’s dependence on imported fuels.
In a related development, the Government of Pakistan took a significant step towards enhancing domestic energy exploration by awarding 11 new onshore oil and gas blocks on February 27, 2026. The Petroleum Division formalized these awards through the signing of Petroleum Concession Agreements (PCAs) and Exploration Licenses (ELs) during a high-profile ceremony in Islamabad, which was attended by the Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik. This initiative aims to accelerate exploration activities across the country and tap into untapped reserves to meet growing energy demands.
The newly awarded blocks are strategically distributed across three provinces: eight in Balochistan, two in Sindh, and one in Punjab. The consortium of successful bidders includes major industry players such as Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Mari Energies Limited (MariEnergies), Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL), and Prime Global Energies (Prime). Mari Energies has been entrusted with the operation of six blocks, maintaining full working interest in five of them—Padag, Chagai, Dalbandin, Merui, and Merui West—while holding a 60 percent stake in the Ahmad Wal block alongside OGDCL’s 40 percent share.
Meanwhile, OGDCL will operate three blocks, including Kalat North with complete ownership. Additionally, it will lead two joint ventures: Naing Sharif, where OGDCL holds 70 percent as operator with Prime holding 30 percent, and Khiu-II, where OGDCL operates with a 60 percent stake alongside Mari Energies’ 40 percent interest. Pakistan Petroleum Limited emerged as the highest bidder for the Kalat South block and will manage operations with a 40 percent stake, in partnership with OGDCL and Mari Energies, each holding 30 percent.
This series of developments underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a more self-reliant energy sector through strategic partnerships and exploration efforts. The recent discoveries and block awards are expected to invigorate Pakistan’s oil and gas industry, potentially leading to increased production, job creation, and economic growth in the coming years.
