Proposed LPG mix projects Relocation sought

The Ministry of Energy''s (MoE) Petroleum Division has proposed relocation of four proposed LPG mix projects after SNGPL site and route survey declared the proposed sites unfeasible, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. Pakistan is currently facing a severe shortage of natural gas both for its electricity generating plants and for general use of all sectors. Domestic gas production of 4,000 MMCFD is unable to meet the country''s demand.
The supply-demand gap is approximately 2,000 MMCFD and keeps on rising. This shortage of energy is not only causing hardships to the people but is also inhibiting the economic growth of the country. Therefore, considering shortage of gas, Government of Pakistan is pursuing provision of LPG through air mix plants to areas where piped gas is economically not feasible.
According to sources, a summary on supply of LPG through air-mix projects was submitted to the ECC on October 20, 2016 for approval of LPG air mix plants. ECC in its meeting held on October 31, 2016 approved the summary and allowed SNGPL and SSGCL to construct LPG air mix plants in 60 localities.
The ECC decision was communicated to both the Sui Companies - SSGCL and SNGPL - for implementation. The projects are at different stages of execution ie survey, planning, land acquisition, plant arrangement etc. SNGPL has now revealed that in compliance with the decision of the ECC the site and route assessment surveys of the areas proposed for the installation of LPG air mix plant have been completed. The surveys are of prime importance to assess the ability of LPG bowsers to reach the project sites and during the survey various observations were made mainly about the condition of road, type of bridges, sharp turns, width of road and identification of potential land sliding.
Based on the findings of SNGPL surveys four unfeasible projects are proposed to be replaced.
According to Petroleum Ministry, Malkot project is not doable due to access road for LPG bowser and land is not available. The project is proposed to be replaced with project in Balakot (KPK). The Forward Kahut (AJK) project is also not feasible due to non availability of access road. It has been proposed to replace it in Darosh (Chitral ). SNGPL has informed that the project would be undertaken after completion and opening of Lowari Tunnel, construction of some bridges and carpeting of Dir-Chitral road as the present approaching road is too steep and has sharp turns.
Hajira (AJK) project has been declared undoable due to safety and security reasons. SNGPL has proposed to shift the project to Beor, Tehsil Kahut, District Rawalpindi. Abbaspur (AJK) has been declared undoable due to access road on Pakistan-India Line of Control (LoC) and will now be shifted to Ban, Tehsil Murree, District Rawalpindi.