By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will start selling surplus liquefied natural gas (LNG) in international markets from 1 January, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has announced. Speaking at a press conference, Malik said Pakistan currently imports LNG from Qatar and the Italian firm ENI.
However, in recent months, reduced gas consumption for electricity generation has left the country with excess supply. This surplus has forced the government to divert imported, costly gas to domestic consumers, increasing circular debt in the gas sector and causing losses of nearly Rs1 trillion.
“From 1 January, we will sell this surplus gas internationally, limiting losses and easing the domestic burden,” he said. Malik also highlighted government efforts to address public concerns over substandard gas cylinders and noted that 250,000 to 300,000 new gas connections are being provided to households, with measures in place to maximize relief during the winter.
He added that steps are being taken to control circular debt and that a Turkish petroleum company will soon open an office in Islamabad, creating new jobs. Malik said reliance on imported oil and gas is being reduced, and an Azerbaijani delegation is expected to visit Pakistan soon to discuss energy cooperation.
The minister announced a new pipeline from Machike to Thalian and said the country is closely monitoring global energy transitions from oil to electricity. He also mentioned that exploration for copper in Pakistan is progressing rapidly, with potential investment of $3.5 billion expected, and international agencies are preparing large-scale investments in Balochistan.
Malik added that constructive criticism is welcome, but efforts should focus on improving governance rather than undermining each other, stressing that the state is more important than any individual.
