Being bruised is one thing and hemorrhage is several steps further. The energy sector of the country resembles more like the latter for long now with no respite on the horizon, at least for the cynics.
A state of frenzy with the general elections approaching, is adding to the countrys energy sector which is in a state of lingering crisis. The ferocious shortage of gas and power inching up with every passing day leaves many question unanswered by those at the steering wheel.
A puzzle that unfortunately remains unsolved, till at least a couple of days ago, is the LNG import plan that seems to have experienced contentious times in the past couple of years.
Natural gas shortage which initiated the most controversial gas pipeline between Pakistan and Iran almost shriveled away many times up until recently. TAPI seems even further away given the instability in Afghanistan.
Unaccounted-for-gas being treated within the transmission and distribution losses has been a major source of poor earnings for the gas utilities. UFG limit, which was previously being brought down continuously to match the international standards, took a somersault just recently to have atleast some cheery faces: the gas companies.
Awarding the LNG project, initiating work on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline amid baseless sanction threats and opening up bidding for around 60 new blocks for the E&P companies are certainly some activities to expedite the energy sector.
But, the riddle that requires an answer is the rationale behind all the hurriedness shown all of a sudden with less than a week left for the interim government to take over the office. From the looks of it, the rebelliousness towards Washington, and the timely alacrity with inaugural and ground-breaking ceremonies seem like
ed bull for popularity ahead of general elections.
Moreover, chaos leads to confusion; energy crisis is here to stay and the tasks for the caretaker and the subsequent government increases all the more. And how Islamabad, where economic weather remains foggy due to weaker economy, find funds for the multi billion dollar LNG import project and IP gas pipeline is anybodys guess.
From an optimists eye, the three initiatives - LNG import, Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and increased wellhead gas prices in the latest petroleum policy - can provide some breathing space to the countrys ailing energy sector depending solely on successful continuation and implantation of the same.
Whosoever takes the office, the priority will be not only to devise an incentive-based energy policy that is able to lure investment, but also follow a timely implementation. Policies put forth so far seem rational on paper, but from how things proceed, another similar five years and the country plunges deeper into darkness.
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