No new gas connection to be issued for six months

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Sunday met the newly appointed Advisor on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim, who called on him here at Prime Minister House.

In a meeting, it was decided no new gas connection will be issued in any part of the country for the next six months under any circumstances.

All the Managing Directors of various oil and gas companies under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources will be immediately removed, he mentioned.

New Board of Directors of all the companies and institutions under the Ministry will be reconstituted. The Minister and the Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources will not be included in the BODs.

The Sui Northern and the Sui Southern Gas companies will jointly form LPG Distribution Company for the country.

All officials in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources as well as all the organizations and companies under the Ministry, who have attained 60 years of age or are on contract, will retire with immediate effect.

Gilani directed the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to totally revamp oil and gas sector in a manner that helps in developing proper coordination among all the relevant institutions.

The objective of this exercise is to expand the production and ensure better distribution of oil and gas among the consumers including industries, he mentioned.

He further directed the Ministry to also prepare a short term two year vision to develop the existing facilities in the field of oil and gas to help resolve the problems of common man.

All court cases will be vigorously pursued to remove the impediments besides collection of pending dues as well as to resolve issues of exploration and distribution of oil and gas.

The Prime Minister asked Dr Asim Hussain to take stern measures to ensure that circular debt does not accumulate any further, rather it should be substantially reduced.

He also asked him to rationalize the prices of petroleum products in the near future.

It may be mentioned that Dr Asim Hussain will resume his charge of office on Monday as Advisor to the Prime Minister.