By SKM
January 06
ISLAMABAD: In a move billed as major relief for consumers amid winter demand, the federal government on Tuesday announced a six-month freeze on gas prices across all categories, while claiming it has successfully arrested the flow of circular debt in the gas sector.
The announcement came during the 12th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum, chaired by Syed Mustafa Mehmood, where Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik outlined what he described as key gains from ongoing sector reforms.
The minister told the committee that, on the directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, gas tariffs would remain unchanged for the remainder of the current fiscal year, providing relief to domestic consumers as well as industry.
Malik also disclosed that Pakistan has concluded negotiations with Qatar to divert surplus LNG cargoes to the international market, while fully honoring contractual obligations. He termed Qatar a “trusted and strategic partner,” noting that it stood by Pakistan at a time when several global LNG suppliers failed to deliver on commitments.
Claiming a significant policy milestone, the petroleum minister said the circular debt flow in the gas sector has been effectively curtailed, with no new debt being generated. He added that gas supply to households has been enhanced nationwide, with no domestic gas field currently under curtailment, and that the power sector is being supplied gas beyond its IGCEP demand to avert load-shedding.
Officials from the Sui gas utilities briefed the committee on operational improvements, reporting sharp reductions in losses. SNGPL said Unaccounted-for Gas (UFG) losses had been cut from 9% to 5%, while SSGC reported a drop from 17% to 10%.
The committee was further informed that IoT-based monitoring systems, including Town Border Stations, have been installed at network tail ends to enable real-time pressure monitoring and automatic alerts, improving service delivery.
Managing Director SNGPL said gas supply hours have been extended from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. under the prime minister’s instructions to ensure maximum public relief during the winter months. Malik added that the government, in consultation with the World Bank, is working to strengthen the capacity of the Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions.
Members of the standing committee welcomed the measures, terming them a step towards improved governance, tighter controls, and greater consumer focus in the petroleum and gas sector. Ends
