ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The federal government is working to ensure an uninterrupted supply of gas at affordable prices during the winter season, Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar in Islamabad, Malik said the government had received complaints that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was being sold for as much as Rs800 per kilogram in different cities.
He said irregularities in the LPG market had been reported, with some market players allegedly creating problems and charging excessive prices.
Pakistan's annual LPG demand stands at around 2.4 million tonnes, while daily consumption is estimated at 6,000 to 7,000 tonnes, Malik said. More than 2,500 tonnes are supplied locally each day, with the remaining demand met through other sources.
The minister said the government was preparing a strategy to ensure adequate gas supplies during winter. He added that difficulties in importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) had emerged because of challenges in the region.
Malik announced that any company wishing to import LPG from abroad would be allowed to do so. Importing companies would also be required to publish their import prices on their websites to help consumers check market rates.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the world was facing an energy crisis, with international oil prices rising. He said the government was taking steps to reduce the impact on consumers despite difficult economic conditions.
Tarar added that refinery profits had been passed on to the public for the first time, as part of efforts to provide relief from the effects of the global energy situation.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also directed the government to prepare a plan for an uninterrupted gas supply during the winter months.