Pakistan’s state-owned Oil & Gas Development Company (OGDC) is preparing for a significant expansion of unconventional gas projects, aiming to increase domestic gas production and reduce reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The company plans to kick off new developments early next year, focusing on both shale and tight-gas reserves across the country.
According to OGDC officials, early surveys indicate promising resources in Sindh and Balochistan, where multiple reservoirs show characteristics suitable for tight-gas extraction.
The company’s footprint has grown substantially from its initial 85 wells, and the upcoming five-year plan is expected to be markedly different, reflecting the scale of new ambitions.
OGDC is accelerating its shale programme as well. What began as a single pilot well is now expected to expand into a five- to six-well project by 2026–27. Each well could produce between 3 to 4 million standard cubic feet per day, and if successful, the initiative could eventually scale to hundreds or even over a thousand wells.
Geological studies suggest parts of the Indus Basin resemble North American shale formations, though commercial production will depend on improved fracking technology, water availability, and detailed geomechanical data.
In addition, OGDC plans to start drilling a deep-water offshore well at the Deepal prospect in the Indus Basin by late 2026. This comes after Turkey’s TPAO, along with PPL and OGDC, secured an offshore exploration block.
While current gas demand is weak due to rising solar energy use and fixed LNG import schedules, OGDC’s push into unconventional gas aims to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on costly imports, and prepare Pakistan for long-term energy self-sufficiency.