One million new gas connections recommended

Published July 11, 2017
RAWALPINDI: LPG consumers wait for their turn at a refilling station. Earlier this year, the government had notified a relaxation of the moratorium on new gas connections for industrial, commercial and captive consumers.—File photo
RAWALPINDI: LPG consumers wait for their turn at a refilling station. Earlier this year, the government had notified a relaxation of the moratorium on new gas connections for industrial, commercial and captive consumers.—File photo

ISLAMABAD: The Natio­nal Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources on Monday recommended the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to increase the number of new domestic gas connections to one million per year.

The committee, chaired by MNA Chaudhry Bilal Ahmad Virk, also recommended enhancement of domestic connections to new localities by 100 connections.

The committee was apprised that Ogra had allowed 0.5 million new domestic connections to gas distribution companies per year. However, due to huge number of pendency, the gas companies were unable to meet the demand.

The committee was further apprised that 200 connections were allowed to be provided to new localities.

The Ogra representative said the regulatory authority had no objection to increase as recommended by the committee, in case the gas companies had the capacity to carry out the task.

The committee, while discussing the performance of Pakistan State Oil, directed the state-owned entity to aggressively pursue measures to realise its recoverable from government departments.

The committee also expressed satisfaction on the performance of Pakis­tan Minerals Development Corporation (PMDC) and Hydro-Carbon Deve­lopment Institute of Pakistan (HDIP).

MNA Virk directed the management of the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) to pursue the inquiries on irregularities in disbursement of workers funds, misuse of medical facilities and theft of diesel.

The committee secretary was directed to ensure that the OGDCL management apprised the NA body about the outcome of these directives.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2017

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
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...