Karachi: Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah advocated for an increase in gas supply to Sindh and stressed the need for representation of the province on the boards of directors of federal oil and gas companies. During a high-level meeting, he highlighted the discrepancy between Sindh’s gas production and its supply, emphasizing the constitutional provisions that support the province’s demands.

According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Sindh, the meeting chaired by Minister Shah addressed several critical issues. Sindh, being the largest gas-producing province in Pakistan, contributes 65% to the national gas production, tallying between 1800 to 2000 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd). However, the province currently receives only 900 mmcfd, against a requirement of 1600 mmcfd. The meeting discussed the enforcement of Article 158 of the Constitution, which grants the gas-producing provinces the primary right to the resource, a right currently not being honored, leading to shortages in Sindh.

The discussions also covered the representation of Sindh in the board of directors of key federal oil and gas companies such as PSO, PPL, OGDCL, OGRA, and Sui Southern Gas. Despite repeated attempts, Sindh’s representation has not been secured. The meeting also addressed the recent approval by the interim government to allow the sale of 35% of natural gas to third parties and the introduction of the TIGHT gas policy of 2024, actions deemed beyond their authority. Concerns were raised about a new LNG policy soon to be introduced by the federal government.

Minister Shah reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the constitutional rights of Sindh regarding gas allocation and representation, emphasizing that the interests of the provinces and their people must be prioritized. He directed his team to take solid steps to enhance revenue generation in the oil and gas sector and asserted that the consumers of Sindh are the primary concern.