Resolution of energy crisis linked to rational petro policy
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The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) said on Sunday energy crisis cannot be resolved in absence of a pragmatic petroleum policy based on ground realities.
Energy crisis would continue to hold economy as hostage and frustrate all attempts to provide jobs to youth unless contained through serious efforts, it said.
Demand of the natural gas has been rising since years while production cannot be enhanced satisfactorily due to lack of transparency, objectionable practices of gas explorers, inadequate incentives, red tapes and legal problems, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President of PEW.
He said that genuine gas exploration firms are not getting backing of the government they deserve while gas import of has remained high on agenda of policymakers.
Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that imported gas would be up to 300 per cent costlier than the locally extracted gas for which no government or business but masses would have to pay.
He said that policy of accepting costly imported gas while ignoring locally available gas is beyond understanding.
Dozens of unfeasible gas fields would come online if prices are rationalised and gas companies are convinced to end scuffle to pave way for teamwork, he said.
President of the PEW said that an acceptable petroleum policy would attract local and foreign investors and improve production that is around 30 per cent less than the actual demand.
He said that theft of energy has been increasing with no satisfactory action and consumers are not being educated to ensure efficient use of resources.
