KARACHI: Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik said that talks between Islamabad and Moscow are underway for import of oil, adding that Pakistan will begin importing Russian crude oil at discounted rate from this month.

Addressing petroleum dealers and businessmen and industrialists here at PSO House Minister’s statement comes days after he claimed that Pakistan would place its first order for Russian crude oil next month, adding that two countries have agreed on lot of matters. He said that Moscow has assured that Islamabad will receive discount equal to amount that its neighbouring countries are receiving. Minister said they were making all-out efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas to consumers during Sehr and Iftar timings.

“We have discussed this matter with Sindh Governor. However, I will request Governor that utility bills must be paid,” he remarked. Minister acknowledged that they had received complaints regarding suspension of electricity and gas supply to industries in Karachi. Small industries have raised objections on electricity rates, he said. Malik said there were obstacles in supply of gas in some areas of Karachi due to lack of infrastructure. He admitted that country’s gas reserves are depleting, thus 24-hour supply of gas is not possible. “Demand for gas begins increasing from November. Gas tariff has been increased for people who can afford it and burden of increase in gas prices is not on poor and middle-class consumers,” he added.

However, he said that demand for gas has witnessed increase in Balochistan due to rains and cold weather in province. Minister in conversation with journalists without giving an exact time, said gas load shedding would end during sehri and iftar. “We cannot provide gas 24 hours as our reserves have dropped.”

Issue of gas starvation in Karachi caught Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s attention recently and he directed relevant officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of commodity.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 06 2023

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