ISLAMABAD: Petroleum minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Monday that LNG import offers a possible solution to the energy crisis in the short-term while getting Iranian gas is the cheapest option for the country.
Speaking at the national conference titled ‘My Fuel CNG 2013’ organised by All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) he refuted the idea that the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project has been shelved.
The APCNG has suggested to the government that all their stations would convert from using natural gas to imported LNG injected in the existing pipeline systems of SNGPL and the SSGC.
The idea floated by the APCNGA would ensure that the CNG stations would continue to operate business without any break. However no reply has been received from the petroleum ministry over the proposal.Meanwhile, Abbasi said that no country in the world can undermine the importance of the CNG as it has remained an important stakeholder in national development.
The minister said that government will not discriminate against any sector or allow closure of any venture.
“The government will leave no stone unturned to promote the Rs450 billion CNG industry in Pakistan, providing jobs to millions and helping reduce oil import bill,” Abbasi added.
While the minister criticised certain groups to be responsible for delaying energy projects, Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA, was candid enough to name few NGOs, whom he described as stumbling block in development.
“Import of LNG is important for the country and enabling policies will attract an additional investment of around Rs350 billion in country,” Mr Paracha said.
“However, the government should contain these co called champions of rule of law who get all projects stopped,” he added.
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