Iranian diesel meets 19.5% Pakistan’s needs

Iran meets the 19.5 percent demand of Pakistan for high-speed diesel (HSD) through smuggling.

The Petroleum division disclosed a Senate Standing Committee meeting that met with Senator Mohsin Aziz.

It informed Iranian smuggled high-speed diesel accounted for 19.5 percent of the total country’s demand. As many as 1364 Petrol Pumps in Punjab were illegally selling smuggled petrol.

https://newztodays.com/smuggling-is-a-threat-to-countrys-food-security-pm/

Meanwhile, the Petroleum division informed the Prime Minister had issued directives to curb fuel smuggling from Iran. Subsequently, the government had formed National Taskforce with the Chief Minister and Home Secretary as conveners.

https://newztodays.com/fc-holds-custom-officials-responsible-for-oil-smuggling-from-iran/

The government had launched an operation against oil smuggling on 13 January 2021. It was taking action the pumps in Punjab, Sindh, and KP in the first phase.

Mir Kabeer member committee said 2.2 million people were in the business of Iranian oil in Balochistan. He suggested regularizing this business. However, Nauman Wazir ruled out regularizing this business.

As part of the strategy, FBR would seal illegal retail outlets in the first phase in the three provinces of Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the second phase, it will crackdown in Balochistan.

LNG

Secretary Petroleum suggested sealing long-term LNG deals. Omer Ayub Energy Minister ruled out flaws in LNG deals. He said that LNG Company required 45 to 60 days to finalize LNG contracts due to PPRA rules.

https://newztodays.com/lng-suppliers-refuse-to-supply-feb-cargoes/

He said that the government had to take merit orders into account before importing LNG. Petroleum division said SSGC had laid the 17 km gas pipeline in all respect, including modification of CTS Bin Qasim and SMS Pakland. The company commissioned it on 22 December 2020.

Furthermore, it informed the government extended lease extension to the Kohlu block effective from January 1, 2020, for a period of two years. It aimed to enable the company to discharge its minimum work obligations pending for a long time due to its area’s area’s area’s volatile law and order situation.

Meanwhile, OGDCL will start the seismic survey of the block during the ongoing month. It had been continuously pursuing the concerned authorities to provide security clearance cover for the immediate commencement of exploration activities in the area. On the issue of merger /absorption of Lakhra Coal employees, there was no visible business of the company, and therefore, it served notices to employees.