ISLAMABAD – In the wake of the fuel crisis, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved a Rs51 billion plan till March for smooth supply of furnace oil to avert the electricity shortage in the country which faces a 5,000-6,000MW shortfall of electricity.
Except business hub Karachi, the country is faced with the shortage of electricity because of non-availability of required furnace oil to powerhouses and less hydro generation because of closure of canals and zero demand by the four federating units for water releases from dams.
A meeting was held on the petrol crisis. During the meeting, the PM approved the plan and also directed all concerned ministries to effectively coordinate in order to ensure a steady supply of petrol to all parts of Pakistan.
The PM issued directives for structural changes in order to ensure that the current petroleum crisis does not arise again. Keeping in view the worst electricity supply situation, the prime minister approved the plan and lashed out at the inefficient Ministry of Water and Power, an official said. He added that for January, two cargo ships carrying 65,000 metric tons each will be arranged under the integrated plan, at the cost of Rs6 billion that will ensure 13,000 tons of fuel per day to the power sector.
