ISLAMABAD
The government finally has been able to materialise the deal of LNG import from Qatar that will start arriving in Pakistan provided the terminal completes as per timeframe. However, as per some sources, it seems difficult and might be delayed a little bit.
Sources said that the time frame for the completion of LNG terminal is March 10, 2015 and as per the government announced plan, the first shipment of LNG will arrive in Pakistan on March 31. Informed sources said that the work is in progress on the terminal but it may take a little longer in completion that can push the first shipment of LNG to arrive in the end of April or start of May. But the sources at the same time said that LNG whereas has been finalised to come in the country. The main user of LNG seems to be the CNG sector at the first stage. Especially in the summer season the demand of household will come down.
Presently the maximum demand of gas is 6000 mmcfd against a supply of 4000 mmcfd. Qatar will provide 500 mmcfd gas to Pakistan on daily basis. Keeping in view the figure, it is not going to fill the total gap of demand and supply of gas in Pakistan but as it varies in different seasons, the overall situation will get better in the country. CNG sector is one of the priority sectors that will be supplied with LNG because LNG import will definitely increase burden on the government in terms of need for foreign reserve and CNG sector will ensure some balance by decreasing burden from the fuel while transferring it to CNG sector. Keeping in view unviable present fuel prices, it is also expected that the petrol prices will not remain the same so CNG will provide some relief to the commuters though it will be expensive as compared to its present prevailing prices.
Presently the issue of distribution charges of SNGPL is pending to be resolved between the CNG industry and the said government entity. Once it is settled, CNG association is ready to open its own LCs to import LNG from Qatar. It is whereas expected that CNG stations will start operating from the month of May, the sources said.
Online adds from Karachi: Minister for Trade Engineer Khurram Dastageer on Wednesday said the import of LNG would start in the end of this year that will be used for generation of power up to 3600 megawats.
Speaking to media in Karachi, the minister said discussions with business community over the directives of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif are underway for the next financial budget. He was of the opinion that they should present positive image of the country through products of skilled persons of the country despite law and order situation, terrorism and shortage of gas and electricity.  Commenting on the upcoming Expo Pakistan, Dastageer said it will be bigger exhibition as compared to 2013 edition as delegates up to 1000 from 70 different countries will participate. He said this exhibition will help in spreading positive image of the country, adding that special attention was paid to agro and food processing products.
The minister also informed that this expo will represent culture of all areas of the country that will pave way of success for the country. The Aalishaan Pakistan exhibition this year will be organised in different cities of Europe and first one will be held in London in June 2015, he added. The minister said this opportunity will help the investors to review working condition of factory labourers as condition is quite better compared to other competitive countries. He said due to GSP status exports have been increased up to 1.16 billion. Khurram Dastageer said Pakistan wanted to increase its trade relations with other neighbouring countries including China, Iran and Afghanistan.