ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday was informed that owing to the reduction in local production and difference of prices between local and imported gas, full cooperation of all the provinces was required to meet the demand of gas during the next few months.

Chairing a meeting to review the current demand and supply situation, the prime minister directed the relevant authorities to run a full-fledged public awareness campaign for possible preservation of gas in view of the gap in demand and supply situation during ­winter.

Minister for Industries Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Minister for Plan­ning Asad Umar, Minister for Energy Umar Ayub, Advisor on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Special Assistant to the PM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar and other senior officers were in attendance.

The meeting was briefed in detail about necessary arrangements being made to meet the gas demand especially domestic consumers.

The prime minister was also briefed about the gap in demand and supply situation in coming months, particularly December and January, and the necessary measures being taken to overcome it.

The meeting was told that the laying of new pipeline would ensure the supply of 100-150 mmcfd of gas.

As regards the matter of Right of Way, the Government of Sindh was being requested so that it was implemented as soon as possible.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2020