The Gwadar Gas Port Limited (GGPL) has planned to import virtual pipeline of LNG to provide gas at half the price to Gwadar Port, power generation, industry, and the local people of Gwadar City.
A virtual pipeline system is the one that connects gas suppliers with consumers. The technology allows the distribution of natural gas to different consumers through the road. What sets virtual pipelines apart from other distribution methods is that gas gets supplied at the pressure levels and conditions specified by end consumers.
GGPL is awaiting approval from Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to import virtual pipeline to start the distribution of gas. GGPL Chairman Iqbal Z Ahmad while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives during the visit to Gwadar said that despite development of Gwadar Port, the industrial activity in the free zone is held up due to lack of gas, power, and water. He said that the population of Gwadar has recently been demanding and demonstrating for the availability of basic needs of gas, power, and water.
He informed that “Gwadar International Terminal Limited (GITL) and Gwadar Gasport (Private) Limited (GGPL) have agreed to make gas available at Gwadar Port for its development and for power generation and general industry and also to meet demands of the local population. The project envisages that it shall have a floating storage unit (LNG vessel) to be berthed permanently at Berth 3 of the Port. The LNG will be replenished in the Floating Storage Unit (FSU) using LNG carriers; Qatar Abu Dhabi/Oman being close to Gwadar will be sources of supply. The company targets delivery of LNG at the doorstep of customers, at competitive prices. Around 300 mmcfd or 2.25 million tons per year (MTPA) of LNG will become available,”
While briefing the standing committee Iqbal Z Ahmad emphasised that if the government gives NOC the work on this project can start immediately.
