ISLAMABAD, (DNA) – Prime Minister Imran Khan directed the Petroleum Division to chalk out a comprehensive plan for checking gas theft in the country which was causing a loss of Rs. 50 billion to the national exchequer annually.

The Prime Minister was chairing a briefing at Prime Minister’s Office today. Minister for Petroleum Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Additional Secretary Incharge Petroleum Division Mian Asad Hayaud Din and senior government officers were present during the meeting.

Additional Secretary Incharge Petroleum Division Mian Asad Hayaud Din briefed the Prime Minister, in detail, about the existing situation vis-à-vis demand and supply in the oil and gas sector.

The Prime Minister was also apprised about the progress into construction and operationalization of TAPI and Pak-Iran gas pipeline along with other significant projects which were in the pipeline to meet growing energy needs of the country.

The Secretary also highlighted various issues including the issue of rationalization of gas sale prices, recovery of receivables, non implementation and frequent altering of that policies resulting in erosion of the investors’ confidence and non-awarding of exploration blocks during the last five years.

The Prime Minister directed that a comprehensive plan of action with delineated timelines should be submitted at the earliest to address various issues of the oil and gas sector.