Press Release Title: Senator Umer Farooq, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum Presiding over a Meeting of The Committee at Parliament House Islamabad

Press Release Date: 6th May, 2025

The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, chaired by Senator Umar Farooq, convened today at Parliament House to address critical issues impacting the country’s gas supply and related policies. The discussion started with a focus on OGDCL and the challenge of oil rigs, which incur a daily rent of 3.5 million rupees. Senator Rana Mahmood ul Hassan pointed out that the inquired performance details had not yet been provided. With the consensus of the Committee Members, he suggested that the matter be audited by one of the top four audit firms. In response, the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) assured the senator and the members that if any theft has occurred, the matter will be thoroughly investigated. He also mentioned that details on how the system will be made sustainable will be provided. Senator Rana Mahmood ul Hassan further brought to the Committee's attention concerns raised by some representatives from Balochistan regarding petroleum resources being extracted from their land. The Balochistan Assembly has referred the matter to the federal government to determine whether it falls within its purview. The senator emphasized that if the payments are justified, they should be made to the concerned representatives. The Committee also addressed the issue of unannounced Sui Gas loadshedding in Lahore, raised by Senator Kamil Ali Agha. He highlighted that this has become a persistent hardship for citizens, particularly for those who have no access to gas at all. He further noted that in recent years, government policies seem to have disproportionately favored the industrial sector, stressing the need for a policy shift that prioritizes the common man. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Umar Farooq, also expressed concern about the alarming unavailability of gas in various areas. The Committee was informed that SNGPL is currently supplying gas to approximately 1.2 million consumers in Lahore East and West. During the period from July 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the company received 132,376 complaints regarding low gas pressure, of which 131,459 have been resolved. The Committee decided to revisit the matter for further deliberation in the next meeting. Furthermore, the Committee was briefed on the province-wise details of gas consumption relative to production, which is expected within the next 7 days. It was emphasized that the government’s top priority is ensuring a stable domestic supply. The Committee also reviewed the amount of gas allocated to fertilizer plants. The Chairman of the Committee raised questions regarding which plants are receiving gas and inquired about detailed information along with their rates. Additionally, the Committee also deliberated that performance audits of the allied companies of the Ministry will be discussed in the next meeting.   In attendance were Senators Saadia Abbasi, Rana Mahmood ul Hassan, Haji Hidayatullah Khan, Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Kamil Ali Agha, the Minister for Petroleum, and senior officials from the relevant departments.