ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum Division Dr Musadik Masood Malik on Wednesday told the National Assembly that the local gas production in the country remained at around 3200 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) and about 200 MMCFD consumed in its extraction.
Replying to various queries during Question Hour, the minister said that out of the available 3000 MMCFD, 1200-1300 MMCFD gas was being given to fertilizer and power sectors.
He added that about 1700-1800 MMCFD gas was pumped through a network of gas companies to the consumers.
He said that Sindh was producing around 60 per cent of total gas production, however, currently, both Sindh and Punjab provinces were facing a gas shortage as the indigenous gas reserves were exhausting.
He said the government was taking steps to improve supplies such as awarding new blocks for oil and gas exploration and import of LNG. He noted a package has been finalized to encourage domestic and international companies for offshore exploration of oil and gas. He added the oil and gas exploration companies have also been directed to enhance the existing resources.
He said that the then government of PTI had put a ban on the provision of new gas connections. However, under the policy, gas connections within a radius of 5 kilometers in areas of new gas discovery were permitted.
Regarding the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, the minister said that the matter was sub-judice adding that Pakistan has a cordial relationship with neighbouring countries. He said various complications and international sanctions were impeding the execution of the said project.
He added that it would be appropriate to hold in-camera session on the matter.
