KARACHI: The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum reviewed gas supply issues, operational challenges at Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) and geological survey activities in Balochistan during a meeting at Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) headquarters here on Wednesday, directing the company to submit details of available gas supplies and overall demand.
The meeting was attended by Senators Umar Farooq, Quratulain Marri, Abdul Wasay, Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, Sardar-ul-Haj Muhammad Umar Gorgage, Jam Saifullah Khan and Manzoor Ahmed. Special Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Mirza Nasiruddin Mahmood, SSGC’s managing director and senior officials from SSGC and PRL, along with the Director General of the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP), also attended.
SSGC’s managing director briefed the committee on delays in providing gas connections in Qila Mubarak Town, Quetta, and the reasons for low gas pressure in the southern region. The committee directed SSGC officials to submit a comprehensive one-page report detailing the available gas supply and total demand.
The committee also sought details of the Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM), particularly outstanding recoveries.
The committee reviewed operational challenges faced by PRL. It was informed that the refinery was established in 1962 and its technology was primarily designed to process Iranian crude oil.
During the briefing, officials said PRL faced financial losses between 2011 and 2018 due to declining demand for furnace oil. The refinery subsequently shifted towards producing petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) products in 2018, but the change reduced its production capacity.
The refinery has a capacity of approximately 38,000 barrels per day and is taking measures to address its losses. It also faces challenges, including a shortage of manpower.
The committee directed PRL to promote employment opportunities for local residents of Balochistan and ensure recruitment in accordance with the quota allocated to the province.
The Geological Survey of Pakistan briefed the committee on its geological mapping activities. Officials said the organisation was conducting surveys and mapping across approximately 19,200 square kilometres. Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and annual development projects in Balochistan, 30 topographic sheets had been completed.
GSP further informed the committee that an accelerated project to map an additional 50 sheets across the country was under consideration, with a target for completion by 2026-27.
The committee was told that GSP currently had no agreement, memorandum of understanding (MoU) or joint project with any government department in Balochistan or Quetta. However, the organisation expressed its intention to sign an MoU with the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Quetta, to promote cooperation in geological sciences.
The meeting also discussed promoting coordination between GSP and the Zhob Chamber of Commerce through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA).
GSP officials said security-related challenges in Balochistan were affecting field activities and creating difficulties in the progress of surveys and projects.
The committee stressed the need for improved coordination, timely implementation of development projects, resolution of operational challenges and creation of more employment opportunities for the people of Balochistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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