ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum, chaired by Syed Mustafa Mehmood, reviewed key developments in Pakistan’s gas and LNG sector during its 12th meeting on Tuesday.
Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, informed the committee that Pakistan had successfully negotiated with Qatar to divert surplus LNG cargoes to the international market while remaining within contractual obligations. He emphasized that Qatar had remained a reliable supplier at a time when many global suppliers defaulted, and a mutually acceptable arrangement had been reached regarding excess LNG.
On domestic policy, the minister announced that, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, gas prices will remain unchanged for all consumer categories for the next six months of the current fiscal year. He further stated that the flow of circular debt in the gas sector had been contained and no new debt was being generated.
The minister added that gas supply to domestic consumers had been enhanced nationwide, with no domestic gas field currently under curtailment. Additionally, the power sector was receiving gas beyond its Integrated Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) demand to prevent load shedding.
Managing directors of Sui gas companies also briefed the committee on operational improvements. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) reported a reduction in Unaccounted-for Gas (UFG) losses from 9% to 5%, while Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) cut its UFG losses from 17% to 10%.
To strengthen monitoring, Internet of Things (IoT)-based systems, including Town Border Stations, have been deployed across the gas network. These systems automatically generate alarms in case of pressure drops, allowing real-time monitoring of gas supply.
The committee praised these measures, emphasizing that the combined improvements would ensure affordable and uninterrupted gas supply during the ongoing winter season.