OGDC revives heavy oil production at Rajian-11

KARACHI: Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has restored hydrocarbon production at Rajian-11, a heavy oil well in Punjab’s Chakwal district, after a four-year suspension, the company said in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday.

The state-run exploration and production firm revived output by installing an electrical submersible pump (ESP), a move aligned with its broader strategy to enhance production through advanced artificial lift techniques.

Rajian-11, which extends to a depth of 3,774 metres, had been suspended since 2020 due to formation challenges. The well was successfully completed with an ESP in the Tobra, Jutana, and Sakesar formations, restoring production to 1,000 barrels per day (BPD) of oil, OGDC said.

The Rajian Oil Field, discovered in August 1994, is fully owned and operated by OGDC under the Gujar Khan exploration licence. The company described the revival as a step towards maximising hydrocarbon recovery and operational efficiency, reinforcing its position as a leading player in Pakistan’s energy sector.

The announcement follows OGDC’s latest financial results, which showed a 44 per cent year-on-year decline in profit after tax to Rs41.44 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to lower sales and higher taxes.