Recommendation for increasing number of new domestic gas connections to 1 million per year is from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources and Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra).

Domestic connections will be enhanced to 100 connections in new localities said MNA Chaudhry Bilal Ahmad Virk, chairman of the committee. The committee was informed that Ogra has allotted 0.5million new connections at domestic level while allowed 200 connections provided to new localities. Gas companies cannot meet the demand due to many pendency. The Ogra representative said that they had no objection to the recommendation of increase if within the company’s capacity.

The committee while overviewing progress emphasized aggressively for recoverable from departments of government.

The committee was satisfied with the performance of Pakis­tan Minerals Development Corporation (PMDC) and Hydro-Carbon Deve­lopment Institute of Pakistan (HDIP).

MNA Virk directed Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) to strictly follow the inquiries about irregularities in payment of funds of workers, misuse of medical facilities and diesel theft.

The committee secretary coordinated to guarantee that the OGDCL administration informed the NA body about the result of these mandates.