OGDC Begins Gas, Condensate Output at Soghri North Well

Pakistan’s largest explorer connects new Attock discovery to SNGPL network to boost energy supply.

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has started commercial gas and condensate production from Soghri North Well-1 in Punjab’s Attock district, marking another step in its strategy to fast-track new discoveries and strengthen Pakistan’s energy security.OGDCL Discovers Gas in KPK

The announcement follows the company’s March 17, 2025 disclosure of a significant discovery at the same site. According to OGDC, the well has a production capacity of 14.0 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas and 430 barrels per day (BPD) of condensate. The resources are being processed at the Dakhni Plant through an 8-inch, 14-kilometre flow line completed by the company to ensure early monetization of the find.

The processed gas is being injected directly into the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) network, contributing to the country’s supply at a time of rising demand from both industrial and domestic sectors. With a 100 percent working interest in the Soghri Block, OGDC serves as operator and sole beneficiary of the output.

Energy sector analysts note that while the volumes from Soghri North Well-1 are modest compared to national demand, incremental additions are critical to reducing Pakistan’s dependence on costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. Pakistan has faced recurring gas shortages in recent winters, forcing rationing to households and industries, while power producers have struggled with expensive alternate fuels.

OGDC, Pakistan’s largest exploration and production company, has sought to accelerate its exploration program in response to these challenges. By focusing on early tie-ins and efficient infrastructure deployment, the company aims to shorten the time between discovery and commercial production. The Soghri project exemplifies this approach, with production commencing just six months after the initial announcement of discovery.

Company officials emphasized that the development aligns with OGDC’s long-term strategy of unlocking indigenous hydrocarbon potential and supporting sustainable economic growth. “We are committed to enhancing Pakistan’s energy security, supporting industrial and domestic consumers, and driving sustainable development through responsible resource management,” the company said in its statement.

Historically, OGDC has played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s energy mix, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the country’s oil output and over one-third of its natural gas production. Its recent efforts have focused on not only expanding reserves but also improving efficiency in bringing fields online. Industry observers point out that timely development of smaller discoveries can collectively make a meaningful impact on bridging the supply gap.

The Soghri North addition also comes amid broader debates over the future of Pakistan’s energy policy, with growing calls for diversification into renewables alongside maximizing domestic oil and gas resources. While natural gas remains a key transitional fuel, the government is under pressure to balance affordability, sustainability, and security in its long-term planning.

For now, OGDC’s latest output provides a modest but timely boost. The committee overseeing national energy coordination has previously warned that domestic supply shortfalls could worsen without aggressive exploration and swift integration of new fields. Projects such as Soghri North are therefore seen as essential stopgaps while Pakistan works to stabilize its broader energy mix.

OGDC has pledged to continue aggressive exploration across its portfolio of licenses, spanning onshore and offshore acreage. With rising import bills and currency pressures, indigenous production gains, even at smaller scales, are viewed as critical to relieving pressure on the balance of payments and ensuring uninterrupted energy supply for households and industry.

As winter approaches, the incremental 14 MMSCFD from Soghri North Well-1 will add to the national grid and help ease shortfalls, underscoring OGDC’s role as a frontline contributor to Pakistan’s energy stability.