The News cited Mr Sabir Hussain acting chairman Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority said as saying that Pakistan government is paving the way to import 500 million cubic feet Liquefied Natural Gas on an urgent basis for generating 2,500 MW electricity in the country.

Earlier, he attended a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mr Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM House. He said that LNG is likely to import by the Q3 of next year. In addition, work was in progress to operate a separate pipeline, which will increase the capacity to transport gas from Port Qasim Authority to Punjab.

Chairman of Port Qasim Authority apprised that three terminals had to be built at an estimated cost of USD 500 million to handle the import of LNG in such a huge quantity. The PQA organization was fully prepared to undertake the project after meeting the normal mandatory legal requirements and the imperatives of cost effectiveness of the project.

He said that Port Qasim Authority was already working with interested investors for the development of a jetty and terminal facilities and an agreement to this effect will be finalized shortly.

The Prime Minister directed the Chairman PQA to gear up the PQA to cope with the energy shortages in the country by taking all the necessary measures for ensuring timely import of LNG.

(Sourced from www.thenews.com.pk)