Panel seeks gas supply details, reviews PRL operations

Business Recorder reported that the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum asked Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to provide a summary of available gas supply and overall demand. The request followed a briefing on delayed connections in Quetta’s Qila Mubarak Town and low pressure in the southern region. The committee also sought information on outstanding recoveries under the Inland Freight Equalisation Margin.

The committee reviewed Pakistan Refinery Limited’s (PRL) operating difficulties, including reduced capacity after it shifted towards petroleum, oil and lubricants products in 2018. Officials said the refinery, with capacity of about 38,000 barrels per day, had incurred losses from 2011 to 2018 as furnace oil demand declined, and also faces a staff shortage. The committee called for local recruitment in Balochistan in line with the province’s quota. It also heard that security challenges were impeding Geological Survey of Pakistan fieldwork.