This refers to the interview of Mr. Miftah Ismail in a program of a private TV channel whereupon he stated that current government had neglected the Gas sector and could not foresee the increase in gap of supply & demand situation in the country.
Perhaps Mr Ismail does not know that presently the terminals are running at full capacity and more LNG cannot be moved from Port Qasim to Pakland, from where the distribution network of SSGC draws its gas.
The same situation will happen in December and January. So to bring in more than 1200mmcfd, this 17km line is essential. There is sufficient capacity to move gas up to country for now. The same will happen in December and January. While he has been the chairman of SSGC Board either he is unaware of the operations or his information is old. But the most telling is his sidestepping the question by stating that his government built 1100km line, and present govt cannot build 17km line. The issue is not one of building the line. It is the sindh govt property which the line has to cross for which ROW has not been given.
It is clarified that during 2013-18, not a single oil & gas block was awarded by the then government. The 115 discoveries which were made during that time resulted due to blocks auctioned by previous governments. The incumbent government auctioned 10 blocks last year and is going to auction 20 new blocks in next month & more offshore blocks in December. This step will accelerate the process of Exploration and production activities in the country.
It must be known that all long-term LNG contracts were signed by previous government. The present government is pursuing spot purchases of LNG to import gas at possible lowest rates for maximum utilisation of both terminals. This government has taken steps to encourage private sector for construction of five LNG terminals.
Moreover, the necessary coordination is afoot for replacement of existing FSRU with enhanced capacity unit after the necessary approval by ECC & Cabinet.
It is further stated that fresh orders have been issued to SSGC to engage Government of Sindh for allotment of Right-of-Way for construction of 17 kilometers pipeline from Port Qasim.
The current Government is fully cognizant of gas situation in the country. In the light of depleted indigenous gas and surged demand, Petroleum Division organized the Gas Seminar featuring national and international speakers in field of energy, wherein, speakers presented ideas for gas supply options(indigenous/import), financial sustainability & Weighted Average Cost of Gas, Gas infrastructure development needs and Open Access Regime for LNG.
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