Pakistan to Discuss Issue of LNG Imports

Pakistan authorities will likely discuss the issue of LNG imports on August 15 when adviser to Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Asim Hussain chair a meeting.

"We are in the process to make framework for the import of LNG to meet energy needs in winter this year," a senior Petroleum Ministry official said, reported Business Recorder. 

The official said that the government is committed to importing LNG by November so that the industrial sector could be provided with required energy.

In February, Pakistan and Qatar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for import of 3.5 million tons of LNG. Recently, Qatar authorised the US energy giant ConocoPhillips to finalise LNG deal with Pakistan. 

To augment supplies of LNG through imports, the government has imposed a Gas Infrastructure Development Surcharge (GIDS) on various sectors. Pakistan is also taking up long-term projects such as Iran-Pakistan and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline projects.