ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal on Monday apprised the Senate that currently gas shortage in the country stood at 2.5 billion cubic feet that may double in next five to seven years if proper planning was not made.
Responding to a resolution moved by Col ® Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi regarding natural gas load-shedding in the country, the minister said
Pak-Iran and TAPI gas projects were delayed due to multiple reasons and efforts are on to start both the projects.
He said it is need of hour to expedite exploration process and other measures to bring more gas into system.
He said conversion of vehicles to CNG had started in the past without keeping in view the available resource. Moreover, gas had also been used for power generation.
Regarding gas shortage for domestic purposes in Sindh, the minister said, there was no shortage of gas for domestic consumers in Sindh.
Jam Kamal said huge capital investment is needed for exploration of gas and oil and some of our indigenous companies are also engaged in this sector. He said that provinces were also invited to come and invest in this sector.
The minister said efforts were also being made to bring balance in energy mix.
Regarding gas pipeline of Quetta-Kalat and Mastung, he said the length of pipeline is 140 Km that was punctured manually at many places resulting leakage of gas.
Earlier speaking in the House, Tahir Hussain said provision of basic amenities was the prime responsibility the government and effective distribution system would be developed to ensure smooth gas.
Taj Haider said three provinces were producing more gas than its requirement and there is need to enhance country’s gas production.
Mir Kabeer said laying of new pipeline from Quetta to Mastung should be extended to Kalat to cope with shortage of gas as mercury in Kalat drops to -18 C in winter.
Senators Abdul Qayyum, Usman Kakar, Aziz, Aysha Raza and Nehal Hashmi also urged proper planning for next 30 years to meet gas needs.
