The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has granted a licence to Elengy Terminal Pakistan Limited (ETPL) for constructing an LNG import terminal that will handle gas supplies expected to start arriving next year, writes The Express Tribune.
Ogra issued a statement saying it granted the license to ETPL after the company met all the requirements of the LNG policy and rules for the build of the LNG terminal at the Port Qasim.
Ogra said it examined the application under its rules and also got it evaluated by an internationally reputed independent consultant, SGS.
Necessary no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Defence and approval of the Port Qasim Authority have also been submitted by the project developer.
Keeping in view the fulfillment of technical and legal requirements by ETPL and gas shortage in the country that demanded a fast-track import of LNG, Ogra said it granted the licence to ETPL for construction of the terminal. “This decision will help ease energy crisis in the country,” it added. The government said that it will initially import 200 mmcfd of LNG in the first phase.
According to officials of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, ETPL and Sui Southern Gas Company had already signed an LNG services agreement following approval of the Economic Coordination Committee and cabinet.
ETPL, a subsidiary of Engro Corporation, is bound to set up the terminal in 11 months since the award of contract.
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LNG World News Staff, June 19, 2014