Pakistan prepares winter gas plan amid LNG supply challenges
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the preparation of a comprehensive plan to manage gas supply during the upcoming winter season, amid concerns over liquefied natural gas (LNG) shortages. The directive came during a meeting where the premier emphasized the need for advanced measures, public awareness campaigns, and ensuring uninterrupted LNG imports, especially considering the regional tensions affecting supply routes.
The meeting highlighted the challenge of securing sufficient LNG cargoes for December to February, as renewed hostilities in the Middle East have disrupted key supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. Gas companies and the Petroleum Division had requested at least 22 cargoes, but the energy task force, led by Lt-Gen Zafar Iqbal, has pledged only 10-12 cargoes on a best-effort basis.
The plan, which involves around $100 million per spot cargo, requires approval from the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan. Domestic consumers will be prioritized for locally produced gas, while re-gasified LNG (RLNG) will be allocated to power generation and industries.
Separately, the prime minister reviewed the National Highway Authority's (NHA) ongoing projects, directing third-party audits for all current NHA initiatives and urging the formulation of a strategy for constructing highways, motorways, and expressways through public-private partnerships.