The government has initiated the preparation of a comprehensive action plan to address the ongoing gas crisis in the country, focusing on reforms in the energy sector and ensuring effective administrative measures.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed reforms in the energy sector and emphasized enhancing institutional coordination, while a comprehensive framework has been developed to better manage gas supply, pricing, and demand.
On the Prime Minister’s instructions, it has been decided to establish the National Coordination and Management Council, which will introduce an integrated system, while the measures taken by the power task force will also be brought under its scope to ensure policy alignment.
The Prime Minister has sought a detailed briefing from the Petroleum Secretary and directed that a progress report on gas reforms be submitted by May 8, with further instructions that monthly updates be provided to ensure continuous oversight.
It has been decided that new RLNG connections will be temporarily suspended until gas supply improves, while weekly reports have been sought from exploration and production companies, including Mari, OGDCL, PPL, MOL, and UEP, to enhance gas availability.
The government has also decided to accelerate emergency measures to increase gas availability and develop a new strategy to balance supply and demand, aiming to control the crisis effectively.
Additionally, major changes have been directed in planning domestic gas demand, along with a review of gas load-shedding schedules and efforts to reduce system losses.
The government plans to promote the use of cheaper local gas instead of expensive imported gas, while maintaining gas prices and developing strategies to generate additional revenue.
OGRA and the relevant task force have also been instructed to assess the financial impact of these measures to support future policymaking.
