PML-N leader and former finance minister Miftah Ismail attacked the Pakistani government of Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday, blaming it for the energy crisis threatening the country and delays in dry-docking of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal for reasons he cited shortages. gas and electricity that appears.
At a press conference in Karachi, he also questioned the government’s decision to choose expensive fuels such as stoves and diesel for power generation.
Miftah Ismail told media a day after Federal Energy Minister Hamad Azhar acknowledged that the country could face a power gridlock from June 29 to July 6, as regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) terminals would be out of service during that period.
At a press conference, the minister blamed operators of two liquefied gas terminals in Pakistan – Engro Elengy and Pakistan Gasport – for the looming crisis and said they should submit dry dock plans at least a year in advance so the relevant authorities could come up with alternative plans.
Ismail highlighted the requirement for a dry dock to fulfill international safety standards and to receive a security permit for the port to operate, saying Azhar had acquitted the operator unjustly.
“Engro asked them [the government] to start dry-docking a year ago, but they slowed it down,” he said. “And now they’re blaming Engro and the SSGC (Sui Southern Gas Company). That’s a lie.”
The PML-N leader added that today, as the subject has been postponed, the administration needs to maintain a number of gas fields.
Expensive petrol
Ismail also attacked the government for “continuing to delay the purchase of blast furnace oil” and then quickly buying it at exorbitant prices.
He added that in November and December last year, the government decided to use expensive fuel and diesel ovens to generate electricity, and the National Electricity Regulatory Authority (Nepra) then had to raise electricity tariffs.
“There is no reason to use blast furnace oil to generate electricity, but this government is inefficient and dishonest,” he said, adding that choosing expensive fuels also violated Nepra’s Order of Merit that cheap fuels should come first for power generation.
He claims power plants built by the PML-N government in recent years, such as the Sahiwal coal-fired power station, produce the cheapest electricity in the country.
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