Sept 15 , 2015
News
PTI lawmaker smells rat in LNG import without parliament’s approval
By Zeeshan GhayurISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Asad Umar on Monday accused the federal government over import of undocumented liquefied natural gas (LNG) without prior approval from the parliament. According to the details, PTI lawmaker Asad Umar revealed, “There exist no formal document regarding the purchase price of LNG.” Umar accused the federal government was importing LNG without informing the parliament with regards to the final purchase price. He said that an imported LNG cargo contains gas worth $25 million. He said, “The import of LNG since last several months marks the non transparent mechanism practiced by the federal government. The LNG is being furnished from a country where a close aide of the prime minister (PM) is holding an influential position.” Asad Umar revealed, “LNG worth $200 million has been imported while Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has stated on record that no formal approval exist with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources for the import.” He said that an agreement has been signed with Port Qasim and the LNG supplier. He grieved that both the agreements are kept secret. He demanded the government that the agreements be made public. The federal government has so far failed in signing the tripartite agreement between Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), he regretted. Umar believes that the PSO has been burdened with an additional Rs 20 billion debt, as the final purchase price of the LNG remains unclear. He stressed to halt undocumented imports of LNG and making public all agreements in this regard. He said that all those involved in this malpractice should be brought to justice.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk