Islamabad: The Petroleum Division has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for the deregulation of the gas sector, aimed at establishing a competitive and efficient market. The plan, developed with technical assistance from the World Bank, includes significant reforms such as the restructuring of Sui companies and a revised subsidy system to target deserving consumers. The initiative is expected to enhance energy security and transparency in pricing.

According to Radio Pakistan, the roadmap was devised during a meeting on gas sector reforms chaired by Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, with the World Bank Country Director in attendance. The reform strategy involves the reorganization and unbundling of Sui companies, focusing on the separation of transmission, distribution, and energy businesses. The plan also outlines a phased approach toward achieving market-clearing prices in the gas market.

Minister Malik emphasized that these reforms would ensure the financial stability of Sui companies and create employment opportunities, while also strengthening the role of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority to supervise the new competitive market. The roadmap aims to encourage private sector investment and participation, with the ultimate goal of presenting the plan to the Prime Minister for approval this month, followed by its phased implementation.