OGDCL plans output boost as LNG supply risks rise

OGRA seeks daily LPG stock reports

KARACHI/LAHORE:

The state natural gas producer OGDCL is preparing to raise output for the first time in recent years as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East choked supply, its managing director said.

High electricity tariffs and rapid rooftop solar adoption have reduced demand for natural gas in recent years, forcing Pakistan to renegotiate long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) import contracts with Qatar and domestic producers to cut output.

On Monday, Qatar halted LNG production after Iran targeted the country following the US-Israeli strikes over the weekend.

OGDCL aims to raise natural gas output by 5% to 865 million cubic feet per day. The company also plans to boost crude oil production by 14% to 40,000 barrels per day, as the conflict has disrupted shipping through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

OGDCL's Managing Director, Ahmed Lak, emphasised potential further increases with new discoveries. "This potential can be fully monetised subject to offtake by the buyers," Lak said.

Pakistan is also exploring the option of reducing LNG terminal regasification due to undelivered Qatari cargoes, industry sources said.

The move could relieve pressure on Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves, sources added.

Ogra

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has directed all LPG marketing companies to submit daily details of their LPG stocks due to a looming fuel crisis caused by the Gulf War.

In a written directive, OGRA instructed companies to report the quantity of LPG available at their storage and filling plants by 9:00 am every day. The report must also include LPG in transit or loaded on vehicles. The information must be sent by email in a prescribed format to [e-mail].

Reuters (With input from Lahore bureau report)