Ministry of Petroleum (MoP) fears a worsening energy crisis with gas shortfall swelling to 2.7 billion cubic feet day (bcfd) by 2015. "At present, the average shortfall is in the range of 500 to 900 mmcfd on constrained basis which may increase to 2700 mmcfd in the year 2015," reveals a document submitted by Director General (DG) Petroleum Concession (PC) to National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources.
In addition to exploiting indigenous gas reserves, Petroleum Ministry said, government had signed agreements for import of gas from Iran and Turkmenistan. Government is also considering different options including import of gas from Qatar and LNG imports.
Current average gas production during the month of February was 4.04 mmcfd. Total gas production rose during the last three years from 3.97 mmcfd to 4.04 mmcfd yet local gas supply continued to lag behind soaring domestic demand.
NA body was informed that Petroleum Ministry was also working to exploit unconventional hydrocarbon reserves. According to the industry, tight gas estimates for initial gas in place is in the range of 40 to 50 trillion cubic feet out of which only 30 percent potential is recoverable.
In order to exploit tight gas reserves by applying latest and advanced technology and methods, Petroleum Ministry has framed a new Tight Gas (Exploration & Production) Policy, 2011, approved by the Council of Common Interests in principle on January 02, subject to further consultations with the provinces and suitable modifications/ improvements, if required. The matter has been taken up with the provinces for their approval. The Policy will accordingly be submitted to CCI for approval
With a view to enhancing exploration and production activities in the country, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources through OGDCL has carried out Pakistan Sedimentary Basin Study Report wherein latest petroleum potential of each basin has been evaluated by co-relating the data of each basin. Besides, the study would also be helpful in introducing new petroleum play types which will boost up exploration and production activities in the country.
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