ISLAMABAD: Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved proposal for placing gas use for industrial processes as first priority alongside domestic and commercial sectors.

ECC meeting chaired by Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb also considered other proposals from different ministries. On summary of Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) regarding change in gas supply priority order, ECC approved proposal to amend existing gas allocation priority by placing gas use for industrial processes as first priority alongside domestic and commercial sectors. Gas use for industries using captive power was relegated to lower priority alongside the Compressed Natural Gas sector. “This measure would facilitate industry using gas in its processes, as they would be included in top priority category,” said press statement issued here. ECC also reviewed summary from Ministry of Communications concerning “Kalkatak-Chitral 48 km (Section-III) Road Project (N-45)-Procurement of Civil Works” and authorised it and National Highway Authority to proceed with procurement of civil works as per Public Procurement Rule-5.

ECC also okayed proposal for provision of funds amounting to Rs 238.42 million for clearing arrears of wheat subsidy schemes 2015-16, by Ministry of National Food Security and Research.  ECC took into account recommendations of Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue and directed concerned ministry to arrange funds through available budgetary resources and settle long pending claims.