ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum was informed on Thursday that there was a shortage of gas supply in the country, therefore, permission could not be granted for installation of new gas meters.

Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik told the committee that it would be beyond any logic that meters were installed when there was no gas available.

The committee met here with Syed Mustafa Mehmood in the chair. The meeting deliberated on key energy sector issues.

The energy secretary briefed the participants about a two-pronged strategy to manage supply shortfalls.

The committee discussed gas procurement agreements with Qatar and Azerbaijan, along with challenges faced by local gas distribution companies and the government’s policy framework for private sector participation in natural gas exploration.

The energy secretary outlined that the strategy included engaging stakeholders for discoveries and ensuring prudent network operations.