Pakistan Has Substantial Unconventional Gas Reserves

Pakistan may be able to recover at least 33 trillion cubic feet (TCF) per day, out of an estimated total 204 TCF of unconventional gas reserves with available technology. 

The Balochistan Basin, the Suleiman Foredeep Basin and the Lower Indus Basin offer significant potential in extraction of unconventional gas reserves, Business Recorder has reported.

According to Petroleum Ministry officials, the country had a tight gas potential of 40 TCF along with recoverable gas reserves of around 30 TCF. Shale gas offers an alternative source of energy and represents unconventional gas reserves which are in addition to the remaining conventional proven gas reserves of over 30 TCF, the report said.

Pakistan has been making efforts to tap it natural gas reserves in order to meet rising demand for the energy source. The government in 2011 issued tight gas policy for exploration of unconventional natural gas. Exploration companies are offered considerable financial incentive to explore and produce natural gas. Leases are being offered for 40 years.