Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of senior federal and Punjab government energy and finance officials on measures to ensure smooth and regular provision of LNG for the three 3600 MW (1200 MW each) power plants proposed to be built at Kasur, Sheikhupura and Jhang districts in the province of Punjab. The ministry of water and power has already sought approval of tariff rates from National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) for LNG-based power projects in Punjab, the meeting was informed.
The meeting was also apprised that the federal government had planned to lay a 1,100 KM North-South pipeline to transport LNG. Besides, augmentation of existing pipeline was also being sought for which financing was required. The meeting discussed various options for financing in this regard.
Secretary, the ministry of water and power viewed that the option of dual fuel facility could also be considered for these plants instead of confining them to use of LNG. In case of any difficulty in LNG supply at any point of time the plants could easily be run on alternate fuel, he said.
Finance Minister Dar said that ministries of finance, planning & development, ministry of water and power and the Punjab energy department officials could have joint consultations to devise a mechanism for supply of LNG for these plants and related matters within a week and a decision would be taken upon his return from Washington after attending IMF/World Bank spring meetings.
Secretary Ministry of Water and Power Younus Dhaga, Advisor Finance Division Rana Assad Amin, Additional Secretary Finance Azra Mujtaba, Additional Chief Secretary, Punjab, Dr Jahanzeb and other federal and Punjab governments officials attended the meeting.
