The meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum & Natural Resources (Pet & NR) was held today on 28th January, 2015, in Parliament House, Islamabad under the chairmanship of Ch. Bilal Ahmed Virk, Chairman Standing Committee. The burning issue of petroleum crisis in the country was the main agenda item. Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Federal Minister for Pet & NR and Mir Jam Kemal, Minister of State for Pet & NR were also present in the meeting.
Responding to the flurry of queries, Federal Minister apprised the august Committee that the main contributing factors in petrol growth are exponential increase in two wheeler population, CNG non-availability and use in generators due to load-shedding. There was shortage of petrol in most areas of Punjab from January 15, 2015 to January 21, 2015. The reasons for disruption was the exceptional level of retail sales experienced through January 01, 2015. The PARCO Refinery experienced the shut down due to tripping of 11KV lines in Muzaffargarh area. The National Refinery also experienced a technical problem and was forced to shut down; and also to PNSC vessels carrying petrol experienced un-expected delays. The exceptionally high sales coupled with delays imports caused the shortage of petrol in the country.
Minister further apprised that immediate measures were taken and petrol product was arranged; and now total stocks of petrol in the country are sufficient for nine days. To another query by a Committee Member, he responded that a single-member high level inquiry committee has been constituted by the Hon. Prime Minister; and investigation is underway and final report is still awaited.
Besides, the Committee also examined the issues of three OGDCL Housing Societies and directed the Managing Director OGDCL to present comprehensive report on this issue on 10th February, 2015 in Committee meeting; to fix responsibility on the serving/retired General Managers (previous and present office bearers of the Societies) and other officials of OGDCL; and further sending the case to the investigation agencies for report. The Committee also directed the MD OGDCL to suspend the present officers/officials of OGDCL who are allegedly involved in embezzlement. This issue was taken by the Committee on the public petitions submitted by affectees retired and serving officials of OGDCL under Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007.
The Committee deferred the discussion on “The Gas Infrastructure Development Cess Bill, 2014” till next meeting. Besides, the Committee also got briefing on Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP).
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Muhammad Akram Khan Durrani, Federal Minister for Housing & Works, and Malik Ihtebar Khan, Rana Muhammad Ishaq Khan, Mr. Rasheed Ahmed Khan, Mr. Nawab Ali Wassan, Mr. Nasir Khan Khattak, Mr. Abdul Waseem, Mr. Sajid Ahmed, Rana Afzaal Hussain, Roshan Din Junejo, & Pir Bux Junejo, MNAs; and Officers of Ministry of Petroleum & NR, OGRA, M/o Law & Justice, Geological Survey of Pakistan, OGDCL, PSO, HDIP and M/o Planning & Development and Reform.