ISLAMABAD: Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain on Wednesday said that joint efforts were required to overcome energy crisis in the country.

Replying to various Calling Attention notices regarding low pressure of gas in some areas he warned that more gas shortage was feared in January due to increased demand.

He said the people would have to switch over to alternative energy sources like Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

He urged the opposition to avoid playing politics on gas crisis and invited them to help the government in formulating energy conservation policy.

He said Punjab produces 5 per cent gas and consumes 45 per cent, Khyber Pakhtunkhaw produces 9 per cent and consumes 4 per cent, Sindh produces 66.6 per cent and consumes 44 per cent, Balochistan produces 19.4 per cent and consumes 7 per cent natural gas.

The energy crisis did not cropped up during the regime of PPP but it was the result of negligence of the previous governments, he said.

He said government was taking steps to exterminate 12 per cent gas theft. During the last five years in 1.1 million gas connections were given in the country. In Punjab, 172000 connections in KPK, 386000 connections in Sindh and 48,124 connections were given in Baluchistan, he said.

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines and Sui Southern Gas Pipelines were also preparing a plan to provide its consumers solar geysers and solar heaters. The amount would be gradually deducted from the bills of consumers, he said.

The Sui gas was being supplied to consumers on much lower prices. The consumption of CNG in Punjab has increased, he said.

He said that Sui Southern and Sui Northern were also working to launch LPG projects.

The petroleum minister said that the focus was being given to utilise alternate energy resources.

He said the government was also working to improve the gas pressure.

Expressing concern over the rising incidents of gas cylinder blasts, he said that the government was taking action in this regard.

“We have discussed the matter of banning CNG and for this purpose, tomorrow, more discussions would be held during the Assembly session,” said the minister.