Pakistan Petroleum Limited to drill first offshore oil well in March 2026

Pakistan will drill its first offshore oil well in March 2026 along Sindh’s southern shoreline, in the Sirani Block near Sujawal about 30 kilometres from the mainland, Arab News reported, citing a senior Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) official as saying. 

According to the report, PPL plans to begin drilling in March, with reservoir evaluation to follow. A discovery, if made, is expected roughly three months after drilling starts. Depending on the results, the company may drill up to 25 wells in the area. The official said expectations for oil are strong but did not disclose anticipated volumes.

The project comes as Pakistan looks to cut its reliance on imported oil, which makes up over 60% of national consumption. It marks the country’s first move into offshore exploration after decades of onshore drilling. A successful find would add domestic supply and ease Pakistan’s exposure to global fuel price volatility.

PPL has recently expanded its exploration footprint by securing eight new blocks, Gharo Creek, Kochi Creek, Bin Qasim South, Keti Bandar, Behr, Zarrar, Sapat Bandar and Offshore Deep D, in southern Pakistan. The company currently supplies around 20% of the country’s natural gas alongside crude oil, NGLs and LPG.

The official noted that the Sirani Block’s prospectivity is linked to Block C, located about 70 kilometres away and operated by Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), which holds a 25% working interest there. A discovery at Sirani could improve prospects for the adjoining block.

The Sirani site poses technical challenges due to marshy terrain and tidal activity, which have long delayed exploration. In a filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Thursday, PPL said construction is underway to support drilling operations, including jetties, logistics channels and an access road. Drilling equipment will be transported via a 17-kilometre natural channel.

Both the access road and well pad are being raised by approximately nine feet to withstand shifting tides. The elevated site will accommodate up to 250 personnel during drilling.