AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr. Asim Hussain has said that natural gas would be provided to all stakeholders on equitable basis and relief on priority will be provided to domestic consumers during winter.
He said this while presiding a meeting today that was convened in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to discuss Natural Gas Load Management Programme and to evolve a consensus on gas distribution during winter season (2011-12). Muhmmad Ejaz Chaudhry Secretary Petroleum, Senior Officers of the Ministry, MD SNGPL, MD SSGC, representatives of textile industry, fertilizer, CNG and power companies also attended the meeting.
Dr. Asim Hussain, assured the stakeholders that no sector would be neglected while distributing natural gas as the government follows the policy of equitable distribution without any favouritism. Chairman APTMA agreed to the three days a week gas load management schedule in view of the current gas shortage scenario.
It was also decided that gas load management schedule for CNG sector would be relaxed and supply of gas would be available for CNG stations on Friday and Saturday to facilitate the general public in view of Eid-ul-Uzha. Representatives of CNG association agreed to conduct meetings with SNGPL in order to examine the situation of supply of natural gas thereafter.
Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources emphasized that all the stakeholders must evolve a consensus on gas load management as shortage adversely impacts all sectors and stated that all efforts are underway to add natural gas to the system. Secretary Petroleum issued directions to OGDCL, SNGPL and SSGC in this regard.
After a marathon session ending at 2200 hrs, a consensus was evolved by all stakeholders during the meeting. It was decided to restart supply of natural gas to the important fertilizer sector given the shortage in the market and rising prices of fertilizer. 100 mmcf Gas would be made available for fertilizer sector and two out of four fertilizer plants at a time would be operational during winters.
It was also agreed in principle that supply of gas to Engro Fertilizers Company Limited would be shifted from SNGPL network to SSGC network. It was agreed upon that 75 mmcf Gas supply would continue to be provided to the power sector.
Before concluding, the decision was taken that during the winter season stakeholder meetings shall be held on monthly basis to apportion gas to the various sectors according to availability. Secretary Petroleum directed that decisions taken in today’s meeting be implemented as of Friday 4thNovember, 2011.
For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com