KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and State Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik agreed to revisit gas distribution policy to redress grievances of province that produces over 60 percent of national gas at meeting here at CM House.

The meeting was attended by Provincial Energy Minister Imtiaz Shaikh, Federal Petroleum Secretary Capt. (rtd) Muhammad Mahoomd, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Provincial Energy Secretary Abu Bakar, Managing Director SSGC Imran Maniar, and on video link GD Gas Rasheed Johio.

Murad said that total gas production of Pakistan stood at 3,358.21 MMCFD, of which Sindh contributes/produces 62 to 63 percent gas or 2100-2200 MMCF. He added that total demand of province was 1600-1700 MMCFD, adding province was being supplied 1400-1500 MMCFD to all consumers and still gas surplus from Sindh prediction stood at 600 to 700 MMCFD.

He added that gas shortage in province has not only affected industrial sector badly, but load-shedding is being resorted for domestic consumers even during holy month of Ramadhan.

He pointed out that provincial government had approved 1000 village gasification schemes which were pending with SSGCL since 2010-11.

Malik said that total production of gas had been recorded at 3200 MMCFD, of which 200 MMCFD is consumed by compressors operating at field. “Out of remaining 3000 MMCFD gas, 1400 MMCFD goes to power and fertilizer sectors and 1600 MMCFD is supplied through pipes to distribution companies,” he disclosed.

State Minister agreed with CM to revisit distribution policy for which committee was constituted to frame their respective proposals and discuss them in next meeting.

Another issue CM discussed with visiting delegation led by State Minister was Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACOG) policy under which imported LNG and Local gas were pooled in same energy box and then tariff is imposed.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 07 2023

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