Saturday, January 09, 2010
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Syed Naveed Qamar hoped load shedding of gas would come to an end by next year as a deal to import Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) from Qatar was about to be finalised this month.
The imported LNG would be used for power generation and industrial production, mainly for the textile sector, the minister said.
Qatar is one of the largest LNG producers of the world, operated by the state-owned Qatar Gas Company. LNG is one of the fastest growing fuels in the world and due to high demand, its supply has been under stress.
The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) is already working to establish an LNG terminal in the country.
Naveed Qamar said LNG import from Qatar would be instrumental in overcoming energy-related issues of Pakistan.
The cost of LNG to be imported from Qatar would be equivalent to the price of furnace oil, but it would result in fuel diversification in the country. It would also prove as an environment-friendly fuel.
Import of LNG from Qatar would ensure regular fuel supply to industrial units and power plants at a time when furnace oil prices shot up in the international market.
It would also help accelerate economic growth that is hurt by power and gas shortage.
Pakistan requires additional gas supply for at least five years when there is likelihood of Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline becoming operational.
Qatar produces around 1,600 million cubic feet natural gas per day, which is transferred to plants known as ‘the trains’, which are 300 metres long and the trains process the natural gas into exportable liquefied natural gas (LNG).
LNG production started in Qatar in 2005 and Qatar Gas exports 10 million tonnes per annum LNG. Qatar Gas Company plans to expand capacity in 2010 to 42 million tonnes per annum. app
Source: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010%5C01%5C09%5Cstory_9-1-2010_pg5_7
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