PM Shehbaz for fresh exploration, digital transformation of oil & gas sector

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday led a high-level session on issues related to the Petroleum Division, during which he called for an aggressive push to explore new oil and gas reserves to cut down the country’s reliance on costly fuel imports and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

He underlined that unlocking local energy potential was vital for ensuring long-term economic resilience and stability.

Stressing the need for transparency and efficiency, the prime minister also ordered the immediate digitization of the entire oil and gas supply chain, covering both imported fuel and domestically produced resources.

PM Shehbaz said that once the system is fully digitized, illegal trade and smuggling of petroleum products would be brought under control, resulting in tangible financial benefits for the national treasury.

Officials briefed the meeting on a comprehensive plan designed to steer the petroleum and gas sector forward.

It was shared that the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) had successfully identified sizable oil and gas reserves in the Nashpa Block located in Kohat district.

Welcoming the development, PM Shehbaz congratulated the nation and praised the concerned departments for their commitment and hard work.

The newly discovered reserves are projected to add nearly 4,100 barrels of oil per day to national production.

The meeting was also informed that gas consumers across the country experienced improved supply pressure during the ongoing winter season compared to last year.

Additionally, authorities reported swift progress on RLNG connections, with plans to provide 350,000 new connections by June 2026.

Participants were told that pipeline projects for the Sheva and Batani gas fields have been completed and made operational, while construction of the pipeline connected to the Kot Palak gas field is currently underway.

The session was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, along with other senior officials from relevant departments.