PM urged to tackle gas scarcity

Shaikhani points out that current gas policy is incompatible with needs of industries in Pakistan

KARACHI:

President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), Muhammad Farooq Shaikhani, has urgently written to Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, calling for immediate attention to the severe gas shortage and low pressure in all industrial zones across Sindh.

In his letter to the PM and Minister for Petroleum, Gas, and Energy Muhammad Ali, Shaikhani appeals for the elimination of the pressing gas issues in Sindh’s industrial zones. He stresses the need for uninterrupted gas supply to industrial and commercial activities to strengthen Pakistan’s foreign reserves and uplift the economy, according to a press release on Tuesday.

Read PM urged to allocate rightful share of gas to Sindh

Shaikhani criticised the formulation of ill-advised economic policies in the country, hindering industrial progress. Over the past 12 months, increased gas prices have particularly affected vital sectors such as textiles, leather, confectionery, iron, steel, bangle industries, and beverages, which heavily rely on gas. The rising costs have forced these industries to reduce employment to manage production expenses, leading to a surge in unemployment.

Expressing concern for the business community, Shaikhani points out that the current gas policy is incompatible with the needs of industries in Pakistan. Despite Sindh contributing 65% to the country’s total gas production, industries in the region face complete shutdowns for two days every week due to gas shortages. The insufficient supply on other days severely impacts industrial and commercial activities. He highlights the constitutional violation in the distribution of gas among provinces, as per Article 158. He also notes historical violations in traditional gas production methods from Mari fields and new wells, exacerbating the crisis and compelling Sindh to resort to purchasing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2023.

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