LNG import projects: government to form task force to facilitate implementation

The government will establish a task force under the Liquefied Natural Gas Policy 2006 (clause 7.4), to facilitate the implementation of LNG import projects.
This was decided in a meeting of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources here on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain and attended by Ijaz Chaudhary, Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources, Managing Director, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), representatives of Port Qasim Authority, Federal Board of Revenue and senior officers of the ministry.
The meeting decided that LNG importers would be facilitated under the one window operation concept and comprehensive facilities would be provided to them. It was decided that first come first serve principle would be adopted and bidders would be allowed to participate in partnerships. Successful bidders will have to find LNG buyers by themselves; however, the government would provide facilitation in this regard.
Local as well as international LNG suppliers have shown great interest in SSGC's 'Expression of Interests' for the import of LNG under third party access. The company has received 17 EOIs, for the allocation of capacity under its transmission system, from leading companies interested in developing their own LNG Floating Storage and Re-gasification Unit (FSRU), arrange their own supply of LNG and having their own buyers of re-gasified LNG (RLNG), which also may include the Sui companies.
The meeting decided to establish a task force headed by the Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Resources, as part of the government incentive in the LNG Policy 2006 (clause 7.4) and to facilitate the implementation of LNG import projects.
Addressing the meeting, Dr Asim said that the government was committed to facilitating and providing equal opportunities to LNG suppliers and his ministry would ensure that a level playing field was provided to LNG importers.
Other members of the task force would be Additional Secretary of Finance, Defence, Industries, Production, Ports and Shipping Divisions, a representative of Ogra, Member (Customs), Chairman of the concerned seaport authority, Director Generals of the concerned EPA, Coast Guards and Maritime Security Agency and Commander Karachi or COMCOAST Gawadar.
The task force would act as a 'one-stop-shop' to address all issues concerning LNG import projects, including the interpretation of policies and regulations. Issues relating to pipeline system, pricing and minimisation of wastage were also discussed during the meeting.