Gas consumers to pay extra Rs46b

ISLAMABAD: The government is considering the creation of 14 dedicated security wings to protect gas pipelines and oil and gas exploration companies in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The proposed security framework, based on the CPEC model, is estimated to cost Rs46 billion, with the expense likely to be recovered through higher gas prices.

Over the past two years, around 23 attacks on key pipelines caused an estimated gas loss of 7,624 million cubic feet, resulting in billions of rupees in financial losses.

The government says stronger security is needed to protect major gas discoveries and ensure uninterrupted supplies. Currently, about 3,341 security personnel are deployed by SNGPL and exploration companies at an annual cost of more than Rs5.1 billion.

Following meetings with gas utilities and exploration firms, the Petroleum Division has agreed on a two-part security mechanism to strengthen protection of critical infrastructure.