RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Energy Tuesday expressed serious concerns over increase in recent hike in gas prices.

The committee was chaired by MNA Imran Khattak which was held at the Parliament House. Member Committee Shazia Marri said that the committee should take up the matter of 200 percent increase in the prices of gas. Mohammad Barjees Tahir said that the government of PTI increased the gas prices by 263 percent in last ten months which is unacceptable for the people.

Murtaza Javed Abassi said that Asad Umar should explain the committee about recent increase in gas tariff.

The Ministry of Petroleum apprised the committee that the gas reserves are depleting, but the situation of gas shortage will be improved considerably after the completion of TAPI Gas Pipeline project.  

The committee was informed that offshore drilling at Kakra by ExxonMobil had success chances of 12 percent. Exploration companies are working in 320,000 square kilometres area.  

Asad Umar said there is potential of gas in the country and exploration of gas wells should not be slowed down. The ministry was asked to address the concerns of the members regarding development schemes of gas and electricity on priority. The committee asked SNGPL and IESCO to strictly comply with the directions of their regulatory authorities by giving new connections to the residents of Islamabad.