Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum convened at the Parliament House under the leadership of Senator Manzoor Ahmed to review key issues including the fuel pricing mechanism, terminations at Inter Gas System (Private) Limited (ISGS), and gas connection challenges in Quetta. The meeting was attended by several senators, with one participating virtually.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee received briefings on the current petroleum pricing mechanism, which encompassed daily pricing processes, price calculations, and the roles of the Petroleum Division, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), and Oil Marketing Companies. The meeting included discussions on a government fuel subsidy scheme that has benefited approximately nine million people.

Further deliberations focused on the grievances of terminated ISGS employees. Despite ongoing company projects, 15 employees were dismissed due to rising human resource costs, sparking concern over the legality and impact of these terminations. The committee requested detailed criteria for employee appointment and termination from the company for future review.

Additionally, the committee addressed issues faced by Quetta residents in obtaining gas connections. Despite allocated funds, project delays caused by a government ban on new connections and rising costs have hindered progress. The committee urged the concerned department to find a solution to ease the difficulties faced by the residents of Qila Mubarik Town.

The committee also deferred discussions on the relocation of Pakistan Petroleum Limited’s headquarters and the ownership structure of Jamshoro Joint Venture Limited, pending further review.