Karachi: Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a significant gas and condensate discovery from its exploratory well, Dolphin X-1, located in the Sirani Block of District Sujawal, Sindh. This marks the first hydrocarbon find from the Jurassic age Chiltan Formation in the Lower Indus Basin, signaling the emergence of a new hydrocarbon play.

According to Pakistan Petroleum Limited, this discovery is in alignment with the strategic vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, under the guidance of Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik. The project has enabled exploration in previously inaccessible regions, characterized by marshy terrain and challenging geographical conditions. PPL's efforts have demonstrated the viability of a working petroleum system, potentially extending exploration into shallow offshore areas and enhancing the prospectivity of Pakistan's shallow offshore zones.

The Dolphin X-1 well, which was spud on April 17, 2026, was drilled to a depth of 3,850 meters to explore the hydrocarbon potential of the Chiltan Formation. The drilling results and wireline logs identified a hydrocarbon-bearing zone, which yielded gas with a heating value of approximately 1000 Btu/scf, flowing at a rate of 0.942 MMscfd at a wellhead pressure of 211 psig on a 32/64" choke.

PPL operates the Sirani Block with a 75% working interest, while Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL) holds the remaining 25%. The project was executed utilizing local expertise and marks a new chapter in the exploration of the Chiltan Limestone. The Pakistan Navy's support was acknowledged by PPL as instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Preliminary geological, geophysical, and engineering assessments indicate the reservoir's tight nature. A comprehensive evaluation of geological and reservoir engineering data is planned to confirm these initial findings.