The private sector has approached the government for permission to import Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as it will be cheaper than other options and can be brought quickly.
In a presentation to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) the other day, a delegation comprising local investor Malik Group of Industries and its Canadian principal FTI International said that Pakistan has a highly developed CNG industry and managing imports would not be difficult.
In his presentation to OGRA, FTI International’s President Peter Wressell said that imported CNG can be transferred into truck-mounted cylinders for transportation to distant areas in the country.
“Pakistan should take advantage of its vast pipeline network and transport gas through Sui South network and later to the Sui Northern network if required,” Peter said.
He said that most countries around the world including those in the Middle East and Southeast Asia do not have such a vast pipeline network and transport CNG on trucks.
“Since, there is no need to establish any specialised terminal to import CNG, it can be brought into the country at a faster pace,” he added.
After evaluation of the technical presentation, OGRA will refer it to the petroleum ministry for policy decision if there is not any objection.
Malik Group’s Malik Khuda Buksh, who is also the chairman of CNG Station Owners Association of Pakistan, said that FTI International would compress gas into CNG in large containers similar to the cylinders fitted in vehicles.
FTI International has the capacity to transport CNG equivalent to 9 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) to 1 billion cubic feet per day (BCFD).
“These containers will be loaded onto a ship which can be transported to Karachi Port, Port Qasim etc,” he said.
“The most important point of importing CNG is that it is much safer compared to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and the locals have expertise in handling it,” he added.
The difference between CNG and LNG is the treatment of natural gas. LNG is liquefied natural gas, a clear, colourless, non-toxic liquid that forms when natural gas is cooled to -162ºC. This shrinks the volume of the gas 600 times, making it easier to store and ship.
