Minister of Energy Hammad Azhar on Friday said the government would supply gas to domestic consumers only three times a day --- at times of breakfast, lunch and dinner, reported Aaj News.
In a Senate session under the chairmanship of Sadiq Sanjrani, Azhar said the government would ensure supply of gas to domestic consumers on priority basis. However, he added, the gas crisis was not due to the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).
During the session, Senator Sherry Rehman presented a notice for drawing attention of the lawmakers to gas crisis across the country. In her speech, Rehman raised multiple questions related to the crisis. "As the country faces shortage of gas, at least 300 per cent hike is witnessed in gas prices."
She asked why the National Accountability Bureau (Nab) and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) were silent and did not initiate inquiry despite a mega scandal related to LNG cargoes.
The opposition blamed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf -led federal government for the gas crisis in the country, saying people in "Naya Pakistan" would not be able to cook food.
Presenting his opinion on the solution of gas crisis, Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Saleem Mandwiwala said Pak-Iran gas pipeline was the solution of the issue. "Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail were being arrested in LNG cases." He asked: "Who will go against the incumbent government in the NAB who is purchasing costlier gas in comparison with the previous governments."
In response to the opposition, Azhar said the country purchased gas through Pakistan LNG and it had purchased 11 cargoes for November and December.
"Currently, at least 28 per cent households in the country receive gas supply, while more than 70 per cent households are deprived of the facility," the federal minister said, adding the crisis was not related to the LNG and the government was making surety to supply gas to industrial and domestic consumers.
He further said the government was making speedy negotiations with Russia related to gas pipeline and a Russian delegation was expected in the country in upcoming two to three days for talks.
The Senate session was adjourned till Monday 4pm.
