700mmcfd more gas to be injected into system in June: Dr Asim

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain Friday announced that 700mmcfd additional gas would be injected into the system by June 2012, and a three years plan to overcome gas shortage would be unveiled soon. He was addressing a press conference after meeting with office bearers of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptama) in Islamabad.

Dr Asim said that the present unconstrained demand of natural gas stands at 6bcfd while production is 4.2bcfd; however, supply to domestic consumers would improve after the extreme cold spell is over. He emphasized that the present government has always adopted the policy of openness and provides realistic and objective presentation of facts regarding the gas crisis.

He said that he is making personal efforts to break cartels’ influence and always upholds merit in decision-making and all gas consuming sectors are provided with gas on equitable basis. The Gas Load Management Programme is always prepared after thorough consultations with all the stakeholders.

The federal minister said that measures on war footing are being taken to bring down the percentage of unaccounted-for-gas (UFG) in the SNGPL and SSGC networks. He warned that strict action would be taken against gas thieves as per the Gas Theft Act.

Dr Asim Hussain said that this is not the time to create confrontations and urged that all stakeholders should cooperate while opposition should provide workable solutions to overcome the energy crisis.

He said that the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources is mindful of its duties and is bringing in positive and investor friendly provisions in all Oil & Gas sector policies. Regarding negotiations underway with Qatar for supply of LNG, Dr Asim Hussain said that Qatar’s Term Sheet would be received next week.

The minister informed that he is proceeding to India for holding talks with the Indian Government on Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Pipeline project.