Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a comprehensive gas load management plan for the winter season.
- Steps include ensuring uninterrupted gas imports and prioritizing domestic gas for consumers.
- A public awareness campaign on alternative energy sources will be launched.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive plan for gas load management during the winter season, given the current regional situation. This directive was issued during a meeting held in Islamabad, as reported by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The prime minister emphasized the need for an extensive public awareness campaign to promote alternative energy sources and ensure the prioritization of locally produced gas for domestic consumers. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring uninterrupted gas imports, particularly for power generation and industries.
The meeting was attended by key ministers and officials, including National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industry Haroon Akhtar.
The authorities are struggling to finalize the liquefied natural gas (LNG) import plan for the upcoming three winter months, December to February, amid a challenging supply situation. Renewed hostilities in the Middle East have disrupted major oil and gas supply routes, leading to increased fuel prices.
Gas companies and the Petroleum Division have 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. These cargoes will be sourced 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. The matter has assumed greater importance because the LNG import plan will affect the current account targets agreed upon by the Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund.
In addition to these measures, the PMO stated that a proposal to introduce bank financing facilities for electric appliances used for water and space heating is under consideration. This initiative aims to encourage the use of alternative energy sources among domestic consumers.
