Islamabad, November 10, 2022 (PPI-OT):Standing Committee on Energy (Petroleum Division) met in Parliament House, this afternoon in Parliament House, Islamabad with Mr. Aamir Talal Gopang, and MNA in the chair. The Committee directed the Ministry of Petroleum to take provinces on board on Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) Bill. The Committee was of the view that provinces are part of federation and their concerns need to be addressed.
The Committee was apprised that PURA Bill was initiated in order to bifurcate regulatory and policy making functions of the Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions (PC). The Director General PC informed that presently policy making functions and regulation of exploration activities were being handled by DGPC which was not in line with the international best practices.
He further informed that PURA will constitute of representatives of provinces and the federation to oversee the exploration activities. The Committee decided to take up the Bill in its next meeting in presence of the representatives of the provinces.
The Committee after briefing by the Ministry on its preparedness to address the issues of demand and supply of gas during current winter seasons, directed to chalk out comprehensive strategy to overcome the issue of gas load shedding. The Committee also asked the Ministry to work on exploring other sources to meet growing Gas demand of domestic and industrial sectors.
The Secretary M/o Energy (Petroleum Division) apprised the Committee that 10% depletion was occurring every year in gas reservoirs of the country which was quite concerning. He further informed that due to international situation, prices of gas had already gone up due to which it was not feasible for government to subsidize the commodity.
The Secretary informed that as per gas management plan for the current winter season, domestic consumers will be provided gas for 8 hours only. The Director PC informed that vast scope existed in off shore exploration and a package for incentives had been prepared which was waiting for approval of the Federal Cabinet.
The Committee disposed of the matter raised by Agha Rafi Ullah, MNA regarding gas shortage in NA-238. The Committee directed Managing Director SSGCL to at least ensure supply of available gas to the domestic consumers in NA-238. The Managing Director apprised about the measures taken by the company to improve the situation.
The Committee while discussing not accommodating local people in job in exploration of natural resources in North Waziristan, Lucky Marwat and Bannu Districts moved by Mr. Muhammad Jamal ud Din, MNA, the Committee directed Ministry to ensure compliance of their contractual obligation in that regard. The Committee also asked for provision of lists of people employed with their complete details.
The Director General PC apprised that as per contract awarded to exploration companies 80% of the unskilled jobs are required to be offered to people of that area. The Committee pended issues referred to the Committee regarding load shedding of gas in Hyderabad and sale of Iranian gas in Balochistan moved by MNAs Syed Hussain Tariq and Ms. Rubina Irfan, respectively for its next meeting.
The Committee while discussing the performance of OGDCL viz-a-viz its exploration and production activities, directed the Ministry to resolve the issue of recoverable by the OGDCL from other sectors otherwise paucity of financial resources will impede the activities of the company.
The Managing Director OGDCL apprised the Committee about scope of its activities, new discoveries and its future plans. He informed that Wali Gas filed in North Waziristan was its major discovery and production will be started in coming months. He informed that OGDCL was contributing towards 27% of oil, 45% of gas and 25% of LPG of country’s needs. The Committee also directed OGDCL to strictly adhere to the performance appraisal and promotion policies of the Company.
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Secretary,
National Assembly of Pakistan
Automation Centre, National Assembly Secretariat,
Parliament House, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9221082-83
Fax: +92-51-9221106
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.na.gov.pk