ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed dissatisfaction with the current gas tariff on Monday and has decided to evaluate the performance of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and other related companies.
PM Shehbaz instructed the Ministry of Power to complete 16 tasks within three months. Among these tasks, he emphasized the need for a forensic audit of the recent gas tariff increase. Moreover, reports on gas theft, gas infrastructure, and overall performance must be presented within three months.
Furthermore, the ministry was tasked with establishing an inter-ministerial commission to oversee the Iran-Pakistan Gas pipeline project.
It is worth mentioning here that the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) requested another gas tariff hike, slated to take effect from July 1, 2024. The proposal seeks to raise gas prices by Rs324 per million British thermal units (mmbtu), with a targeted average price of Rs1740.80 per mmbtu.
It’s worth noting that PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need to ensure uninterrupted gas and power supply to consumers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Minister of Energy Dr. Musadik Malik echoed the government’s commitment to providing electricity and gas during sehri and iftar times, citing the government’s primary focus on public convenience. He reiterated the government’s dedication to facilitating both local and foreign investments in the gas and minerals sectors.
