PM directs to ensure uninterrupted power, gas supply during Ramadan

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas to consumers during Ramadan.

Chairing a high-level meeting regarding the petroleum sector in Islamabad today, he said job of the government is to facilitate the private sector and protect interests of consumers, especially the economically weaker segments of the society.

The Prime Minister instructed to provide all kinds of facilities to the private sector, local and foreign investors in oil and gas exploration, refining and distribution.

Prime Minister advised to take measures to promote international investment for the exploration of tight gas as well as undersea oil and gas reserves.

He expressed dismay over not taking steps to utilize the resources available in Pakistan's maritime boundaries, whose area is more than Balochistan.

He said discovery of massive oil and gas reserves within the maritime limits of Pakistan and taking their full advantage is priority of his government.

Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need to enhance the refining capacity of the country.

He sought a comprehensive strategy to end the circular debt of the gas and oil sector and to solve this problem on permanent basis. He said culprits involved in gas and electricity theft should be identified and punished. He suggested that gas losses can be reduced through smart metering.

The Prime Minister resolved that he would not allow plundering of national exchequer and people's hard earned money. He said strict monitoring of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas sector should be ensured to provide LPG to consumers at affordable rates.  He further directed to ensure uninterrupted supply of gas to industries. 

Shehbaz Sharif said domestic consumers should be encouraged to run their daily use items on electricity instead of gas.

He also sought a report regarding the implementation of the action plan prepared for energy conservation during the previous regime.

He gave the instructions to develop the administrative structure of Pakistan's energy sector on international lines.

He said a short, medium and long-term action plan on energy sector reforms should be compiled and presented to him on a priority basis.