Infra-Cambrian play in Punjab Platform, Pakistan, with reference to Bikaner-Nagaur Basin, India

Abstract

Infra-Cambrian play is established in the Bikaner-Nagaur Basin after the Baghewala-1 heavy oil discovery (628 MMBO) in 1991. On similar grounds, the Infra-Cambrian from Punjab Platform (PPF) is studied in this paper using published and unpublished data of drilling wells and seismic sections with an aim to establish petroleum play in Punjab Platform where no discovery has been made until now. The equivalent source, reservoir, and cap rocks are encountered in the drilled wells of Punjab Platform. Interpreted seismic sections of the study area are reinterpreted to observe the structural style which is capable of trapping the hydrocarbon migration. Seismic sections indicate that the Punjab Platform remained unfolded at Infra-Cambrian level in contrast with Bikaner-Nagaur Basin where folding and faulting were observed. It is predicted that the maturity in Punjab Platform prior to the Permian and any pre-existing structural closure has reached to early oil generation. The source rock evaluation at shallow locations in Punjab Platform indicates thermally immature which is considered as a major reason for failures of wells. But at deep wells, the conditions are different which may give prospective results in the area if further exploration is enhanced. Long-distance migration of hydrocarbons from Sulaiman foredeep (SFD) seems not possible due to the structural style between SFD and PPF; however, a local sourcing may have charged the Infra-Cambrian reservoirs in Punjab Platform. A correlation is established of sedimentary sequence from Recent to Infra-Cambrian down to basement of Indian and Pakistan PPF using well logs, seismic, and mud log data. Based on petrophysical properties such as water saturation, porosity, permeability, and aerial distribution of Infra-Cambrian reservoirs, the PPF seems favorable for the production of hydrocarbons in Punjab Platform, Pakistan, if further exploration is carried out.