IT is a matter of grave concern that the challenges of the energy sector are not mitigating despite a record hike in the prices of both electricity and gas, which are highest in the region with consequences for socio-economic development. The circular debt both for electricity and gas is increasing further with the passage of time, power load-shedding is there and gas is not available even for kitchens during summer when consumption falls to the lowest.
We have a full-fledged Energy Ministry, gas companies, WAPDA and Discos but instead of augmenting supplies their focus always remains on so-called load-management. As the winter is approaching fast, the Petroleum Ministry has announced plans for closure of CNG stations across the country in December and January as part of the strategy to prioritize supplies for domestic consumers. The adjustment in the distribution pattern is understandable but the question arises why concrete measures are not being taken to bridge the shortfall through imports as was done in the past. Frequent closure of CNG stations and disruption of supplies to the industries send a wrong signal to entrepreneurs about the ability of the country to ensure critical supplies. Strangely enough, as the country is facing gas shortage, the Government has requested Qatar to shift five RLNG cargoes to 2026. Similarly, it is because of our inability to build our part of the IP gas pipeline that Iran has knocked the doors of the Paris Arbitration Court. All this speaks volumes about the clueless direction of our policies that have failed to ensure sustainable supply of gas and electricity to consumers.
