ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has not received oil on concessional rates or loan basis from any country over the past five years, the Petroleum Division confirmed in a report submitted to the National Assembly.
The clarification came in a written response to a query by MNA Naveed Aamir, who asked for details of countries that had extended concessional oil to Pakistan during this period. The Petroleum Division categorically stated that no such arrangement had been made.
In another reply, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik informed the House that Pakistan currently imports LNG through a government-to-government contract solely with Qatar. However, Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGAs) have been signed with other countries—including Oman, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Italy, and Saudi Arabia—though these are non-binding and focus on broader energy cooperation.
One such agreement with Azerbaijan’s SOCAR allows Pakistan to import one LNG cargo per month on a “take and pay” basis, valid until July 23, 2028. Besides Qatar, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has also sourced LNG from various other countries in the past five years.
Addressing concerns about the ongoing gas shortage, the Petroleum Division attributed the crisis to the natural depletion of gas reservoirs and growing consumer demand. Load management is being implemented to balance the shortfall. Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), for example, continues to ensure gas supply during peak cooking hours in districts like Dadu, Sindh, though low pressure is being experienced in tail-end areas. Pipeline upgrades are being undertaken where necessary.
