PM orders winter gas load plan amid LNG shortages

Islamabad: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the relevant authorities to create a thorough plan for managing gas consumption during the winter months, ensuring uninterrupted gas imports despite regional challenges. During a meeting, the premier instructed officials to devise such a plan, take preemptive steps, launch a public awareness campaign, and guarantee continuous gas imports due to the ongoing regional situation.

It was clarified that domestic consumers would receive preference for locally produced gas, while RLNG would be prioritized for power generation and industries. The meeting came as authorities faced difficulties in finalizing the LNG import plan for the upcoming winter months of December to February, amid supply disruptions caused by the US-Iran conflict.

The conflict has led to disruptions in major oil and gas supply routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, resulting in increased fuel prices. The task force on energy, headed by Lt-Gen Zafar Iqbal, has pledged to provide no more than 10-12 cargoes of around 100 million cubic feet each, subject to diplomatic and logistical approvals.

The plan will be presented to the prime minister for approval, considering the significant investment of around $100 million per cargo and the need for consent from the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan. Additionally, the prime minister reviewed the National Highway Authority's projects, including highways, motorways, and expressways, and directed a third-party audit of all ongoing projects.

He also ordered the formulation of a strategy for constructing national highways, motorways, and expressways under public-private partnerships.