Shale gas: PGNiG to participate in first extraction

KARACHI: Polish gas monopolist PGNiG is likely to participate in the first extraction of shale gas in Pakistan, reports Dziennik Gazeta Prawna. The firm owns 70% stake in a concession where shale gas has been discovered in Pakistan. The remaining 30% stake belongs to Pakistan Petroleum. The process of extraction of unconventional fuel is expected to start by the end of this year. The deposits of shale gas under the PGNiG-owned concession are estimated at 17 billion cubic metres, while the country’s total shale gas reserves are estimated at nearly 1.5 trillion cubic metres. The Pakistani government hopes that exploitation of shale gas will supplement Pakistani energy reserves and will constitute an alternative to oil.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd,  2011.