Committee to monitor LNG import process

Petroleum secretary denies allegation of corruption in LNG policy.

ISLAMABAD: A meeting on Friday decided to form a committee to look into detailed process of LNG import and resolve concerns of importers.

The committee will comprise representatives of the petroleum ministry, Ogra and LNG import companies, says a press release.

Petroleum and Natural Resources Secretary Muhammad Ejaz Chaudhry during the meeting dispelled allegations that the government was violating the LNG Policy and emphasised that the import process would be completely transparent.

Chaudhry stated this while chairing the meeting with representatives of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, USAID and LNG importers to review import orders of LNG.

Keeping in view the current energy crisis, it was unanimously agreed that LNG import would help in overcoming the gas shortage.

It was clarified that a separate Expression of Interest (Eol) would be advertised for LNG tolling.

Secretary Petroleum emphasised that the government will follow the provisions of the LNG Policy and no favouritism would be extended to any party interested in importing LNG.

Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) received Expressions of Interest from 17 local and international players in response to its invitation for the import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) under Third Party Access.

OGRA issued provisional licence to three companies namely Gasport, GEI and Engro.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2012.