After thorough analysis of Pakistan’s readiness to import liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Qatar government has given approval to deliver first LNG vessel at Port Qasim in November 2014.
Formal technical dialogue with the Qatar Gas Company will begin soon to deliberate the heads of agreement, officials said.
In this regard, a delegation of Qatar Gas Company comprising Abdullah Ahmad Al Hussaini and Hamad Abdul Aziz Al-Mahanadi held preliminary talks with senior officials of Pakistan’s Petroleum ministry, Inter-State Gas Company (ISGC), Sui Southern Gas Company and Pakistan State Oil on January 2, 2014.
The heads of agreement would mainly include the specification of the LNG and its measurement and mode of take and pay. Once the heads of agreement gets settled then the agreement on the LNG price will be signed after negotiations, petroleum ministry official told Economic Affairs.
At present, the spot buying of LNG hovers around $17 to $18MMBTU. On behalf of Pakistan, PSO will initiate the dialogue with the Qatari authorities and to this effect it is to hire one the best legal firm from international market and experts from open market. Moreover, the experts of SSGC, Inter-State Gas Company and officials concerned of the ministry will also assist PSO for dialogue on LNG supply agreement with Qatar.
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