Russia has agreed to provide crude oil and refined petroleum products including petrol and diesel to Pakistan on discounted rates. This was disclosed by Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik at a news conference in Islamabad on Monday. Giving details of his recent visit to Moscow, the Minister of State said that the reports circulated in the domestic media that Russia refused to provide petroleum products to Pakistan on discounted rates were not correct.

He described his visit to Russia and meetings there very successful. The Minister of State said negotiations have been started with the private companies of Russia for purchase of LNG. He said we also plan to sign a long term LNG agreement with Russia on government to government basis. Musadik Malik said that progress on pipeline projects including Pakistan Stream gas pipeline project was also reviewed during meetings in Moscow. He said a Russian delegation will also visit Pakistan next month to hold
further deliberations on it.

The Minister of State said that despite depletion of our domestic gas resources, we have more gas in the winter season this year as compared to the previous year.  He said we are implementing a gas load management plan under which provision of gas is being ensured during cooking times.

He said we are also ensuring provision of LPG in areas where piped gas is not available. He said Iran will provide two million pounds of LPG to Pakistan. Negotiations in this regard have been completed with Iran and the LPG will reach Pakistan in a matter of seven to ten days. The Minister of State said these steps are aimed at facilitating the public and ensuring that our industries continue to function and contribute to the national economic growth.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP