Asif for expeditious oil, gas exploration to meet energy demand
By Asad Cheema

ISLAMABAD—Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Khawaja Muhammad Asif has directed the Ministry to expedite the Oil and Gas exploration in the country to meet the challenges of soaring international oil prices and reduction of oil import bill.
The Minister expressed these views while taking a briefing from the senior official of the Ministry. Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources, Farrakh Qayum briefed the Minister about organization, functions and on-going projects of the Ministry. The Minister was pleased to know that Pakistan has a high success rate with regard to Oil and Gas exploration. Khawaja Asif also took note of the huge potential of development of mineral wealth i.e. coal and copper. He took special interest in all the projects aimed at developing mineral in the Country.
The Minister said the energy is the life line of the economy and stated that Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources would make consorted efforts for the development of energy resources in the Country. He welcomed the indication that Indian Petroleum Minister is likely to visit Pakistan to discuss matters of mutual interest. The meeting was also attended by Addl. Secretary, Director General (Mineral), Director General,(Oil), Director General (Gas), Director General (Admin), Director General (Hydrocarbon Development), Managing Director Inter State Gas System and other senior officials.
Reliable sources of SNGPL told Online on Friday that limit of units has been set for consumption of gas for commercial and trade purposes under which security is received three time more than the billing of gas and time is given to units for paying the outstanding dues but many units have to pay outstanding dues which is many time higher than their security.
According to sources, there are overall 65 units that are commercial defaulters, which have to pay billion of rupees under the head of the outstanding dues.
Sources further said that during the crackdown, the officials of SNGPL Faisalabad has taken the action against United Textile Mill to recover Rs. 94 million dues and suspended the gas supply.