Govt assures public of meeting winter gas demand, hints at 'good news' for fuel prices

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Tuesday the government would seek to secure enough LPG for winter, including through imports, as disruptions at Iranian border crossings have tightened supply. He said cylinders were selling for Rs700-800 per kilogramme, while domestic output is about 2,000 to 2,500 tonnes a day against demand of roughly 6,500 to 7,000 tonnes.

Malik said piped gas would be prioritised for household meal times, and November’s requirements for gas and power were covered. The government is also exploring a similar levy-sharing arrangement for LPG to the one that enabled a Rs14.71 petrol-price reduction, and has told Pakistan State Oil, SSGC LPG and Pakistan LNG to arrange bulk purchases through G2G and B2B deals.

Dawn reported that authorities want more competition in LPG imports, with around 70 per cent of current demand met through imports. Malik said the government was working on winter supply plans and energy-security infrastructure, while a rise in domestic gas demand of 400 to 500 mmcfd could require curtailments.