ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Friday directed the ministry of petroleum and natural resources to closely coordinate with the ministry of water and power to ensure provision of fuel to thermal power plants for optimum power generation.

The direction came from the prime minister during a meeting with advisor on petroleum Dr Asim Hussain at the PM house.

He directed the advisor to ensure uninterrupted supply of gas to domestic consumers during the winter and urged them to sensitize the people about the winter plan through an effective media campaign.

The premier said as the winter sets in the demand for gas would increase and it was necessary that effective arrangements are made to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to domestic consumers.

Referring to the petroleum policy 2012 for spending 10 per cent of royalty for welfare of the local community, the prime minister said it would go a long way in the development of far flung and remote areas of the country.

The advisor said the government expects that the flow of direct foreign investment in petroleum and gas sector would increase as a result of the new petroleum policy.