Islamabad: The government of Pakistan has announced a commitment to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply during peak breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours, as stated by the Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik. During a news conference in Islamabad, Malik emphasized that additional imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and potential rationing measures would be considered if necessary to meet domestic requirements.
According to Radio Pakistan, Malik highlighted that the country’s annual demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is approximately 2.4 million tonnes, with domestic production ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 tonnes per day. The shortfall is primarily met through imports, but recent disruptions in supply through the western border have necessitated a diversification of import sources and enhancement of energy infrastructure.
Malik stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the development of a comprehensive energy security framework focusing on refining storage capabilities and LPG import infrastructure. The government plans to introduce competition in the LPG sector, encouraging both state-owned and private companies to engage in bulk LPG purchases. Transparency will be prioritized, with importing companies required to publish procurement costs, and a new auction mechanism replacing the existing quota-based system.
The government also aims to shield low-income households from international price fluctuations, with ten percent of the LPG quota allocated for hard areas to be distributed transparently. Revenue from the revised pricing system will support a Price Stabilisation Fund and a Vulnerable Protection Fund to subsidize LPG for deserving consumers. The Competition Commission will oversee market practices to prevent manipulation, and safety standards for LPG cylinders and transportation will be monitored closely.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar reiterated the Prime Minister’s commitment to protecting public interests, stating that the government is focused on providing relief during the ongoing energy crisis and promoting competition to benefit consumers.