Concerned Federal Minister for Energy, Muhammad Ali, has stated that work has begun on the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, and they are considering affordable gas and petrol supplies from Iran.
Speaking to the media at the office of Sui Northern Gas Company in Lahore, Muhammad Ali mentioned that last year gas supply in Pakistan dropped by less than 20%, leading to gas load shedding during winters and efforts will be made to provide gas during hours of cooking.
He also mentioned that efforts are underway to import more LNG (liquefied natural gas), but LNG prices are quite high. He expressed the desire to import oil from Russia, as the prices have increased, and if more refining is done locally, it will be beneficial.
The Minister for Energy highlighted that the high exchange rate of the US dollar is contributing to inflation in the country, and taxes are imposed on electricity and gas bills due to the absence of a tax culture in the country.
He further revealed that work has commenced on the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, and discussions are ongoing regarding affordable gas and petrol supplies from Iran.