Islamabad, Pakistan – Wednesday
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has been accused of preparing a legal framework for the allocation of 35% of gas to third parties, allegedly to maintain its monopoly in the gas sale market.
According to sources, the framework was prepared at the request of Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik and is set to be approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
Critics argue that the framework’s terms could jeopardize around $5 billion worth of expected investment from national and international players in the Exploration and Production (E&P) sector.
The controversy comes seven months after the Council of Common Interests (CCI) approved amendments to the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Policy 2012, aimed at promoting competition and investment in the sector.
Sources claim that SNGPL’s alleged actions are a bid to hide its own inefficiencies and maintain its grip on the gas market, potentially harming the country’s economic interests.
The development has sparked concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency and fair competition in the energy sector.