AVN Report
PESHAWER: Terming the federal government’s policy to supply blended gas to the industry in the province unjust and flawed, Muhammad Kamran Shah, Chairman of the KP Textile Mills Association (KPTMA), has appealed to the interim prime minister to intervene and order review of the plan.
The pressing matter was brought to the fore during a crucial KPTMA meeting, where serious concerns were raised regarding the recent decision by the federal government to introduce a blended gas supply, comprising 80 percent natural gas and 20pc RLNG (Re-Gasified Liquefied Natural Gas), specifically for the KP industry.
In his fervent appeal, Kamran Shah implores the national authorities to swiftly intervene, emphasising the unanimous stance of the KP industry regarding the perceived injustice of the blended gas policy imposition.
According to Shah, this policy is inherently flawed, unfair, and highly detrimental to the interests of the KP industry. Notably, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands as a net producer of natural gas, contributing a substantial 550 MMCFD (Million Cubic Feet per Day) to the national gas reserves, while utilising only a fraction, 200 MMCFD, for its internal needs, including 35 MMCFD for its industrial use.
Bringing attention to this disparity, Kamran Shah highlights that Punjab and Sindh consume 57pc and 40pc of indigenous gas, respectively, for their industrial sectors, leaving KP and Balochistan with a mere 1.8pc of the natural resource. This inequality has persisted for 13 years, depriving KP of the industrial gas connections it rightfully deserves, he says.
To compound the issue, despite not utilising RLNG, KP is unfairly subjected to the RLNG & natural gas blended rate, placing an unjust burden on the province.
Shah further underscores that the rights of KP, as delineated in Article 158 of the constitution, guarantee the province the use of its natural gas resources, a promise that remains unfulfilled.
