Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a comprehensive gas load management plan.
- The plan aims to ensure uninterrupted gas imports during the winter season.
- Priority will be given to domestic consumers and RLNG for power generation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive plan for gas load management, amid LNG shortages, during the upcoming winter season.
The instructions were issued during a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The PMO stated that the plan will include developing a comprehensive gas load management strategy, taking necessary measures in advance, launching a public awareness campaign, and ensuring uninterrupted gas imports.
The participants were informed that domestic consumers would be given priority for the supply of locally produced gas, while RLNG would be prioritised for power generation and industries.
The meeting came as authorities struggle to finalise the liquefied natural gas (LNG) import plan for the upcoming three winter months — December to February — amid a challenging supply situation stemming from the US-Iran conflict.
Renewed hostilities in the Middle East have disrupted major oil and gas supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, leading to fuel price increases.
Gas companies and the Petroleum Division had sought at least 22 import cargoes for the three-month period, but the task force on energy, led by Lt-Gen Zafar Iqbal, has promised no more than 10-12 cargoes of around 100 million cubic feet each on a best-effort basis, using all diplomatic and logistical channels.
The plan will be presented to the prime minister for approval, given the involvement of around $100m per spot cargo and the requirement for consent from the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan.
Later, the premier reviewed the affairs of the National Highway Authority (NHA), including ongoing development work on national highways, motorways, and expressways.
PM Shehbaz directed that all ongoing NHA projects undergo third-party audit and ordered the authorities to formulate a strategy for constructing national highways, motorways, and expressways under public-private partnerships.
