News
Friday, October 28, 2011
IP gas pipeline may be completed ahead of time* Petroleum minister says there is no pressure on Pakistan on the project
* Licences for LNG import will be issued soon
By Ijaz Kakakhel
ISLAMABAD: In order to fill the gap between demand and supply of gas and power, the Senate, on Thursday, was informed that Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project might be completed by the end of 2013, instead of 2014, as announced earlier.
“Work on this project of national importance has been sped up and it is expected that it might be completed a year before the stipulated time period,” Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain announced while answering a question in Senate.
He said feasibility study of the project had already been completed and financial advisers on the project would be appointed within a few days. “Pipelines and compressors pre-qualification process will be completed soon,” he said. Answering another question, he said that people of the areas lying at the route of the gas pipeline would be supplied gas and power connections from the compressor.
“Work on IP project is already in progress. Pursuant to a clearance by concerned authorities, Engineering and Project Management (EPM) consultancy contract with ILF NESPAK JV is already in place,” he said.
He said that EPM consultant had already started work on Detailed Route Survey (DRS) and Front End Engineering Design (FEED) to be followed by Bankable Feasibility, Study Route Reconnaissance, Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) and supervision. “Construction of the pipeline will follow the completion of Bankable Feasibility Study,” he added.
The minister said that Route Reconnaissance Survey (a part of DRS) had been completed at the end of July 2011. “The consultant is currently working on the pipeline design and engineering (FEED) as well as feasibility study,” he added.
“In order to meet gas shortfall during the current season, gas exploration companies have been asked to ensure maximum supply of gas along with import of LNG,” the minister said, adding, “In short-term, the government is making arrangements for issuing LNG import licences to importers.
Answering another question, the petroleum minister told the Upper House that international community would be taken into consideration while going on IP project with Iran.
However, he clarified that there was no pressure on Pakistan over this project.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk