Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed dissatisfaction with the current gas tariffs on Monday and decided to conduct a review of the performance of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and other related companies.
As per the directives, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Power to accomplish 16 tasks within one to three months. These tasks include presenting a forensic audit report on the recent gas tariff hike, as well as reports on gas theft, gas infrastructure, and overall performance within the next three months.
Furthermore, the ministry was tasked with establishing an inter-ministerial commission to oversee the progress of the Iran-Pakistan Gas pipeline project.
Earlier, the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) submitted a request to OGRA for another gas tariff increase, scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2024. The proposal suggests raising gas prices by Rs324 per million British thermal units (mmbtu), aiming to set a new average price of Rs1740.80 per mmbtu.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need to ensure uninterrupted gas and power supply to consumers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Minister of Energy Dr. Musadik Malik reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring electricity and gas supply during sehri and iftar times. He stated that the government’s foremost priority is to ensure the convenience of the people and emphasized the commitment to facilitating both local and foreign investment in the gas and minerals sector.
