Pakistan plans LPG imports and winter fuel buffer, petroleum minister says

Ali Pervez Malik, the federal minister for petroleum, said a summary has been submitted to the federal cabinet to facilitate the import of LPG from abroad, so that consumers do not face fuel shortages in an emergency. Speaking at a public gathering in his constituency of Mughalpura in Lahore and later to the media, he said the government was also undertaking advance planning to ensure adequate availability of crude oil, petrol, diesel, gas and LPG, particularly in view of what he described as the changing international energy situation.

On gas supplies for winter, the minister said comprehensive arrangements were being made to meet consumer needs during December, January and February. He said the prime minister and the federal cabinet had been apprised of the country's gas requirements, its availability and potential challenges.

Ali Pervez Malik said LPG prices are determined by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, with Saudi Aramco's monthly Contract Price playing a key role in the pricing mechanism. He said measures were being taken to ensure sufficient LPG availability during winter given increased demand and the prevailing regional situation.

The minister said more than nine million citizens had benefited from a government scheme providing relief of Rs100 per litre to eligible consumers, including motorcyclists and users of vehicles up to 800cc, and that the scheme would continue within available resources. He said domestic petroleum prices were being determined through a transparent mechanism, with details available on the OGRA website, and that as soon as international oil prices declined, the benefit would be passed on to consumers in Pakistan without delay.

Turning to the region, Ali Pervez Malik said Pakistan was concerned over attacks on oil installations near Riyadh and disruptions to maritime routes near Bab-el-Mandeb, and condemned such attacks. He said the Makkah agreement involving Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia meant Pakistan would not leave Saudi Arabia alone, adding that Saudi Arabia had played an important role in ensuring oil supplies to Pakistan during difficult times. He said the prime minister had tasked him with travelling to Riyadh to meet the Saudi energy minister and convey Pakistan's appreciation, and said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the prime minister and other leaders were making continuous efforts to end regional tensions.