One million Sui-gas applications to be cleared

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that backlog of applications for around one million domestic gas connections would be cleared within 18 months.

Talking to the media, he said that approximately 0.6 million domestic connections would be given during the current season. “Gas companies have decided to give gas connections on first come first serve basis,” he informed.

The minister, “In the past gas connections were not provided on any criteria but the government will now ensure that connections are given in a fair manner.” He added that the first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal would be functional from November 1, 2014. “Tenders for fast track LNG project have been issued and last date for submission of bids is October 1,” he opined.

To a question, he said there is no plan to close down the CNG sector but the sector remains on the bottom of the priority list for supplying gas. To another question he said that Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) regulates CNG sector under the provision of OGRA ordinance 2002 and CNG rules 1992.

Furthermore, the minister said, “To ensure safety at CNG stations and in CNG vehicles it has been made mandatory for consumers and station owners to follow instructions given in the license granted by the Chief Inspector of Explosives under the mineral Gas Safety Rules 1960.”