Gas supply to Punjab industries resumes

Decision to resume gas supplies comes after Shahbaz Sharif’s meeting with the prime minister.

ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE:

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has directed authorities to ensure the supply of natural gas to Punjab’s industry especially the textile sector for five days a week, officials said.

The prime minister was chairing a meeting here on Monday, which was attended by Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Naveed Qamar, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) Managing Director Rasheed Lone and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Industrial units had been forced to close thrice a week due to the disruption in gas supply since the start of winter. Thousands of workers were laid off by these units, aggravating unemployment situation.

Gilani directed the ministry of petroleum and natural resources to expedite the project for the import of LNG.

The prime minister also asked for the convening of a third review meeting on the energy summit at the earliest in consultation with all stakeholders.

Elaborating on the gas and energy situation, the prime minister emphasised that decisions taken in this regard should clearly reflect a uniform approach towards the distribution of resources amongst all stakeholders.

Gilani directed both Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) to focus on reducing losses on account of leakages and theft.

He further directed that effective policies should be made to ensure the use of certified appliances that have efficiencies of 50 per cent instead of the current average of 22 per cent to help gas conservation. He also called for the launch of a public awareness campaign for adoption of conservation measures by the consumers.

Earlier, Naveed Qamar had briefed the participants of the meeting on the gas supply situation throughout the country, highlighting the increasing demand of gas because of the winter season. He also mentioned that one of the reasons for gas shortage is the increase in domestic connections during the year. He explained some of the difficulties encountered in the implementation of decisions taken earlier.

Sharif acknowledges decision

Addressing media in Lahore after the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif appreciated the prime minister’s decision to end the suspension of gas supply to the Punjab industry and said that millions of labourers will be restored to their jobs after the decision.

Sharif said that more than 15 million people have been affected by the recent suspension of gas to the industry. Almost 80 per cent of the textile industry is situated in Punjab and it is unfortunate that the supply of gas was suspended in the same province, he said, adding that it will be destructive for the country’s economy if the textile sector in Punjab is unable to meet its export orders.

He said that Qamar had earlier assured him that the suspension of natural gas in the province will not take place and any supply cut due to gas shortage will be scheduled equally amongst all provinces.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2010.