*Govt. committed to provide relief to common man: Ghulam Sarwar Khan*
*Islamabad* (PR):The Senate's Standing Committee on Petroleum held a meeting in Islamabad with Senator Mohsin Aziz in the chair.
The meeting discussed at length various issues prevailing in the country's Energy sector with a special focus on the Natural Gas sector. Answering various questions put forward by members of the committee, the Federal Minister apprised the committee members of the steps being taken by the Govt. in reforming the country's Gas sector. He briefed the Committee on steps taken by the present Government in improving gas billing recoveries, curbing UFG losses and new initiatives. Highlighting some of the challenges being faced by Gas utilities in curbing UFG, the Minister shared outcomes of the meeting he had in Quetta including with the Chief Minister, members of the Provincial Assembly across party spectrum and other relevant stakeholders. The Minister shared with the committee the recent adoption of a resolution by Balochistan's Provincial Assembly for introducing a flat rate for natural gas in the province. The Minister assured that the Ministry was in constant contact with the Govt. Of Balochistan in extending genuine relief, cooperation and addressing genuine concerns of the province. He reiterated his resolve to continue to work harder towards eliminating UFG losses which in Balochistan alone stand at 72%. Mr Ghulam Sarwar Khan also said that he isn't hesitant in accepting that consumers were indeed sent inflated bills, however, such a step wasnt intentional. The Minister stated that he is pleased to share with all those in attendance that the process of reimbursing affected consumers has already begun. He stated that while i accept an honest mistake was committed, i also assure you that necessary rectification measures have already been initiated. 3 separate committees are exmaining the issue of gas price hike and inflated bills namely, an inter departmental inquiry, an inquiry by AF Ferguson and a soecially constitited inquiry under the aegis of the Prime Ministers Inspection Team. The Minister informed the committee that Gas prices were increased due to mounting losses being faced by both the Gas utilities which stood at Rs.154 billion. The previous PML N Government froze gas prices and new connections for 4 years and lifted this ban during the last year of their Government. Gasification schemes worth Rs.55 billion were introduced to win seats which technically amounts to pre poll rigging.
The Minister assured the members of the committee that LPG Air plants mix are on schedule in Balochistan. Senator Mohsin Aziz and other members of the committee appreciated the Minister and members of his team for bringing a very positive change to the GIDC issue by taking it towards an amiable solution. The Chairman praised the Ministry for their good work.
Additional Secretary, (A and D) Petroleum Division, Tanvir Ahmed Qureshi, MD's of SNGPL, SSGCL and senior officials of the Ministry attended the meeting.
*Islamabad* (PR):The Senate's Standing Committee on Petroleum held a meeting in Islamabad with Senator Mohsin Aziz in the chair.
The meeting discussed at length various issues prevailing in the country's Energy sector with a special focus on the Natural Gas sector. Answering various questions put forward by members of the committee, the Federal Minister apprised the committee members of the steps being taken by the Govt. in reforming the country's Gas sector. He briefed the Committee on steps taken by the present Government in improving gas billing recoveries, curbing UFG losses and new initiatives. Highlighting some of the challenges being faced by Gas utilities in curbing UFG, the Minister shared outcomes of the meeting he had in Quetta including with the Chief Minister, members of the Provincial Assembly across party spectrum and other relevant stakeholders. The Minister shared with the committee the recent adoption of a resolution by Balochistan's Provincial Assembly for introducing a flat rate for natural gas in the province. The Minister assured that the Ministry was in constant contact with the Govt. Of Balochistan in extending genuine relief, cooperation and addressing genuine concerns of the province. He reiterated his resolve to continue to work harder towards eliminating UFG losses which in Balochistan alone stand at 72%. Mr Ghulam Sarwar Khan also said that he isn't hesitant in accepting that consumers were indeed sent inflated bills, however, such a step wasnt intentional. The Minister stated that he is pleased to share with all those in attendance that the process of reimbursing affected consumers has already begun. He stated that while i accept an honest mistake was committed, i also assure you that necessary rectification measures have already been initiated. 3 separate committees are exmaining the issue of gas price hike and inflated bills namely, an inter departmental inquiry, an inquiry by AF Ferguson and a soecially constitited inquiry under the aegis of the Prime Ministers Inspection Team. The Minister informed the committee that Gas prices were increased due to mounting losses being faced by both the Gas utilities which stood at Rs.154 billion. The previous PML N Government froze gas prices and new connections for 4 years and lifted this ban during the last year of their Government. Gasification schemes worth Rs.55 billion were introduced to win seats which technically amounts to pre poll rigging.
The Minister assured the members of the committee that LPG Air plants mix are on schedule in Balochistan. Senator Mohsin Aziz and other members of the committee appreciated the Minister and members of his team for bringing a very positive change to the GIDC issue by taking it towards an amiable solution. The Chairman praised the Ministry for their good work.
Additional Secretary, (A and D) Petroleum Division, Tanvir Ahmed Qureshi, MD's of SNGPL, SSGCL and senior officials of the Ministry attended the meeting.
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