Karachi: The oil and gas industry experienced mixed outcomes in September 2026, with notable increases in exploratory drilling and seismic acquisition, yet faced challenges in development well drilling and oil production. While yearly figures showed an upward trend in hydrocarbon production, monthly statistics revealed a decline in oil output.

According to JS Global, the sector reported a single dry well, Ishraq X-1, operated by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) during September. Oil production saw a year-over-year increase of 10%, while gas production rose by 8% amid disruptions in re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) supplies. However, oil production dipped by 5% compared to the previous month, with gas production experiencing a marginal increase of 1%.

Exploratory initiatives showed a significant 4.5 times month-over-month increase in well drilling, although development well drilling fell by 57% in the same period. The report also highlighted a notable rise in seismic activities, with 2D seismic acquisition recorded at 32.03 line kilometers and a 62% increase in 3D seismic acquisition from the previous month.