OMV, Central Europe's leading oil and gas group, is strengthening its E&P portfolio with the acquisition of interests in license Kalat (OMV´s share: 30%) and the license Barkhan (OMV´s share: 15%), both situated in the province of Beluchistan, southwest Pakistan. The areas are underexplored but considered as highly prospective drilling areas. OMV will be part of international joint ventures with Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) as operator. Extensive 2D seismic as well as geophysical surveys are planned to investigate potential drilling targets.

Helmut Langanger, OMV Executive Board member responsible for Exploration and Production stated: "These new exploration licenses acquire acreage with highly attractive exploration potential. It enables us to proceed with our plans for further growth in Pakistan, where OMV is currently the biggest international gas producer."

Both blocks, Kalat (2,482 km2) and Barkhan (2,105 km2), comprise several structural leads and multiple target reservoirs. The joint venture will start with 2D seismic operations in the Barkhan license at the beginning of August. Detailed geophysical surveys are planned as a first step for the Kalat block after the completion of the seismic in Barkhan.