Pakistan Discovers ‘Black Gold’ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: New Oil and Gas Reserves Found

Islamabad: Amid an ongoing energy crisis, Pakistan has discovered new oil and gas reserves in its northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The discovery offers a potential relief for a country heavily reliant on expensive energy imports to meet rising demand.

According to Pakistan’s state media, the newly discovered reserves are located in the Lumshiwal Formation of the Baragazai X-01 well. Current estimates indicate the well can produce 225 barrels of oil per day and 1.01 million standard cubic feet of natural gas daily. While not considered a massive find, it is seen as an important step toward alleviating Pakistan’s energy shortfall.

Discovery Details

The Baragazai X-01 well was drilled as an exploratory well on December 30, 2024. Its purpose was to assess hydrocarbon potential in multiple formations, including Lockhart, Hangu, Shinawari, Datta, and Kingriyal. The well was successfully drilled to a depth of 5,170 meters.

The Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC), operating under a Nespha exploration license, stated that this discovery will boost domestic hydrocarbon production and strengthen Pakistan’s energy security.

Recent Energy Discoveries in Pakistan

Pakistan has made several discoveries in recent months:

• January 2026: A well in Kohat was found to produce 4,100 barrels of oil per day and 15 million standard cubic feet of gas daily.
• September 2025: Pakistan Petroleum discovered a new reserve in Attal.
• Northern Waziristan: Mari Energy reported a new gas find.

Provincial Contribution to Energy Production

• Sindh Province: Leads in gas production, contributing 62% of the country’s output.
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Tops crude oil production with 41%, followed by Sindh (40%) and Punjab (18%).

This latest discovery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa adds a critical boost to Pakistan’s efforts to reduce reliance on imported energy and stabilize its economy amid the ongoing energy crisis.