QNA/Doha
Qatar and Pakistan are working to finalise financial arrangements of a long-term agreement for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the South Asian country.
This came in remarks made by the Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who recently took part in the 6th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER 6), held in Doha.
Speaking to Qatari daily Arrayah, he said that the deal will allow Pakistan to import initially about 1.5mn tonnes of LNG per year via a terminal at Port Qasim and it is expected to increase to 3mn tonnes in a 15-year LNG supply deal worth $16bn.
Abbasi expressed his hope that the 15-year LNG supply deal with Qatargas company will be initialled for the supply of LNG from Qatar before November-end.
The Pakistani minister added that the capacity of the gas terminal is 3mn tonnes and will be expanded to accommodate 5mn tonnes, pointing out that the Qatari gas will be initially at half capacity and then will cover capacity of the plant at 3mn tonnes per year.
A high-level delegation of Qatargas recently paid several visits to Islamabad, where it held talks with Pakistani authorities on technical aspects of a 15-year LNG supply deal.
Qatargas company officials also held talks with key stakeholders of three companies such as Pakistan State Oil, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) and Sui Northern Gas at 6th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER 6).
