Karachi: Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced an unconventional gas discovery at its exploratory well LAL X-1 in the Kandhkot Development and Production Lease (D&PL), situated in District Kashmore, Sindh. The discovery, which comes from the Lower Alabaster Formation, marks the first of its kind in this region under PPL's operation with full working interest.

The well was initiated on June 30, 2025, and drilled to a depth of 1,408 meters to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential in the interbedded limestone beds of the Lower Alabaster Formation. During testing, the well demonstrated a gas flow rate of 0.138 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) against a wellhead flowing pressure of 33 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) on a 64/64" choke.

These results indicate the presence of hydrocarbon reserves in the Lower Alabaster Formation. However, the commercial viability of this find will depend on further analysis and the outcomes of subsequent exploration wells targeting the Lower Alabaster Play.

The discovery underscores PPL's ongoing efforts to tap into unconventional resources and expand its operational footprint in the region. Further exploration and analysis are anticipated to determine the full potential and economic feasibility of the new gas find.