PGNiG forms alliance with MPCL to explore JV options in Pakistan

Polish oil and gas company Polskie Górnictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo (PGNiG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form an alliance with Mari Petroleum Company (MPCL) for mutual cooperation in the upstream segment within and outside of Pakistan.

The partnership is expected to leverage MPCL’s expertise and technical knowledge gained on the local and international markets.

Under the terms of the agreement, the parties will examine the possibility of joint ventures (JV) in exploration and production, including appraisal and development of shale gas potential in Pakistan.

The PGNiG management board president Piotr Woźniak said: “This marks another step towards expanding our operations in Pakistan, where we aim to ramp up natural gas production.

“Our collaborative partnership with MPCL will raise our visibility in the local market, helping us gain access to attractive projects.”

MPCL has a market share of 17% in Pakistan’s gas sector and operates the Mari gas field located in the Sindh province in the south-eastern part of the country. It also holds the Kirthar production licence area with a 70% interest in the Kirthar licence.

PGNiG operates natural gas fields Rehman and Rizq in Pakistan. The Rizq-1 well commenced production in November 2016, while the Rizq-2 well was brought on stream last month.