ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has granted provisional licence to two virtual pipeline companies for supply of imported LNG through cryogenic bowzers.

The provisional licence will enable and facilitate them for completion of all formalities under the provisions of the OGRA Ordinance 2002, LNG Policy 2011, and LNG Rules 2007, to apply for a licence for carrying out regulated activities.

“M/s LNG Easy (Private) Limited” and “M/s Daewoo Gas Private Limited” shall pursue LNG virtual pipeline project for supply of LNG through cryogenic bowzers and are planning to use berth at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and berth at Gwadar Port respectively for import of LNG cargoes, fill, transport, market, and distribute LNG under “Integrated LNG Project Structure” as per Article 2(a) of the LNG Policy 2011.

These shall be first of its kind projects in Pakistan and shall facilitate the supply of natural gas mainly to off-grid consumers hence, facilitating national growth, a spokesman of Ogra, Imran Ghaznavi said.

On completion of all formalities under Rule 4 (3) of the LNG Rules 2007 including valid NOC/implementation agreement with the relevant Port Authority, NOCs from Explosives Department, local administration, the Ministry of Defence, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Highways Authority, the Civil Aviation Authority, Regional Transport Authority etc a formal request for construction and operation of the facility may be filed by the project developer, which shall then be evaluated by an independent consultant hired from the Ogra shortlisted consultants for which specific ToRs shall be given to the consultant.

On submission of a satisfactory report by the consultant and after approval of the authority, public hearing shall be carried out before grant of license.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021