The National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum held its 12th meeting in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Syed Mustafa Mehmood, focusing on major policy and operational developments in Pakistan’s gas and LNG sector. The session reviewed government measures aimed at stabilising energy supply, easing public burden, and improving sector efficiency during the current fiscal year.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik briefed the committee on the successful conclusion of negotiations with Qatar regarding Pakistan’s surplus LNG cargoes. He stated that a mutually acceptable arrangement had been reached to divert excess LNG to the international market while fully complying with contractual obligations. The minister emphasised that Qatar had remained a dependable supplier and honoured its commitments at a time when several global suppliers failed to do so.

Highlighting key policy relief, Ali Pervaiz Malik informed the committee that, on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, gas prices would not be increased for any consumer category over the next six months. He confirmed that gas tariffs would remain unchanged for the remainder of the current fiscal period, providing stability and predictability for domestic and commercial consumers.

The minister further noted that the circular debt flow in the gas sector had been effectively contained and that no new circular debt was being generated. He added that domestic gas supply had improved nationwide and confirmed that no local gas field was under curtailment. Additional gas was also being supplied to the power sector beyond IGCEP demand to prevent electricity loadshedding.

Managing directors of Sui gas companies presented updates on operational reforms. SNGPL reported a reduction in Unaccounted for Gas losses from 9 percent to 5 percent, while SSGC achieved a decline from 17 percent to 10 percent, reflecting stronger controls and improved governance.

The committee was also briefed on the deployment of IoT based monitoring systems across the gas network. Town Border Stations installed at tail end locations now enable real time pressure monitoring and automatic alerts, ensuring quicker response and a more reliable gas supply for consumers across Pakistan.