KARACHI: Minister for Petroleum and Natural Re­­sources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi dismissed doubts and rumours about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Tuesday.

“The CPEC agreement is transparent and has no grey areas,” the minister said while talking to the media on the sidelines of the Pakistan Oil, Gas and Energy Exhibition at the Karachi Expo Centre.

He said the government is trying to maintain petroleum prices as it did not pass on the impact of rising oil prices to consumers.

Pakistan is a major consumer of furnace oil. Its use is being discouraged elsewhere in the world due to its bad impact on the environment.

The minister said the government is developing alternative energy sources, adding that the solar nergy sector has received tax incentives and duty cuts.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the exhibition, the minister said LNG consumption can increase manifold going forward. Mr Abbasi said he expects the share of LNG in the energy mix will rise over the next three years.

He said the government is trying to maintain gas prices to provide consumers with relief.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...