ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is expected to inaugurate the second liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing terminal at Port Qasim on November 20 – a significant development that will increase Pakistan’s imported gas handling capacity.

With the start of the second terminal, the country’s LNG imports will jump to 1.2 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd).

First LNG terminal, which began operations at the end of March 2015, is already handling and processing 600 million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcfd).

Pakistan produces 4 bcfd of natural gas, far short of its consumption demand for over 6 bcfd. “The second terminal will supply 600 mmcfd to 3,600-megawatt LNG-based power plants in Punjab which will help overcome energy shortages,” a senior government official said.

This terminal, set up by the Associated Group, has been completed without acquiring any bank loan. The group has planned to build another LNG terminal and has sought required approvals in this regard. Separately, Engro Corporation, which is running the first LNG terminal, also plans to set up one more terminal in partnership with the Fatima Group.