Pakistan Committed To IP Pipeline : Minister

Islamabad, Feb 12, IRNA – Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that Pakistan is committed to Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project and declared that it is not a ‘gone story’, a media report said on Tuesday. ‘Express Tribune’ reported that the minister has stated this while addressing a ceremony for the grant of 12 petroleum concession agreements and exploration licences to Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL). Replying to a question, he said Pakistan was committed to the IP pipeline and suggested that the timeframe set for commissioning the project should be extended. Pakistani and Iranian Presidents had inaugurated the ground breaking of the $7.5 billion pipeline project in March last year. The Iran-Pakistan pipeline is intended to help Pakistan overcome its mushrooming energy needs at a time when the country is facing increased blackouts and energy shortages. Under the project, Pakistan will import 750 mmcfd, which could be increased to one billion cubic feet. The Balochistan government seeks 250 mmcfd for consumption at the Gwadar Port and the Centre can go for increased supplies to meet the needs of the province./end