LNG complications

Why the secrecy?

Normally the ruling party’s efforts to deal with the energy problem would be met with appreciation, not the least because overcoming this particular shortage was one of the N-league’s principal campaign slogans. But when the exercise is shrouded in mystery and contradictions, and parliamentary scrutiny is aggressively rebuffed, it fails to inspire much confidence. First of all, it is strange that the petroleum minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbassi, stressed that no final price had yet been set for LNG import from Qatar, but only after delivering the good news that a good 60,000 tonnes would arrive on Thursday. Are we to believe that high-level trade is being carried out without settling the price?

Surely the minister was aware that it was the opposition’s duty, not just its right, to probe issues just like this LNG deal. While it is true that energy, along with security, is the country’s most pressing concern, those in power must still operate within the democratic structure. It was not too long ago, after all, that Abbassi and the rest of the party’s leadership claimed the ‘defenders of democracy’ title for themselves. Why, now, must they deliberately take steps that injure democratic traditions?

The minister is reminded that while energy is a chronic problem, the larger economy is not much to write home about either. And his friend the finance minister will tell him how the deficit keeps pushing him to call more IMF meetings in Dubai; each time accepting inability to keep it from bloating further. Also, it’s not like the present government steps so far – regarding energy – have been exactly on the mark. The circular debt, arguably the most crucial factor, is still mired in controversy – having grown back to Rs300b while there’s still no explanation about the bulk payment that did not work. Therefore, the government is advised to act prudently and not only take the opposition on board — to ensure transparency – but also debate the mechanism of pricing, issuing licences, etc, so there is no doubt about its intentions or ability.