ISLAMABAD, Sept 19: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet is expected to approve guidelines for the import of LNG at its next meeting.

The first meeting of the committee, constituted by the prime minister for the development of LNG infrastructure, on Wednesday reviewed the recommendations of the sub-committee which had been constituted by the ECC in July this year.

In Wednesday’s meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, representatives from private sector including APTMA and IPPs presented their inputs in formulating amendments in the draft guidelines.

The finance minister termed the outcome of the committee meeting a big step in devising guidelines for LNG import.

The ECC sub-committee has proposed a draft containing 15 recommendations on LNG import. It was proposed that LNG will be imported in a phased manner which consists of long term LNG import integrated project structure for 400 MMCFD and RLNG delivery at SSGC receivingpoint and fast track LNG import on tolling basis for 200 MMCFD.

The meeting decided that the revised draft of guidelines will be circulated to all stakeholders within next two days for consideration.

The committee analysed each recommendation moved by the ECC sub-committee and made necessary amendments to improve the mechanism of LNG import infrastructure while approving, in principal, the short term and long term import of LNG.