OMCs interested in setting up more LPG auto stations
ISLAMABAD: Gas and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are targeting to set up 300 to 400 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) auto stations during the next three years, sources in the industry told Daily Times on Wednesday.
Sources said after setting up the targeted LPG stations in the country, the domestic requirements of LPG for auto sector would be met by importing additional 600 tonnes per day. They further said the country might face 700 to 800 tonnes per day shortfall in next three years after the use of LPG in auto sector.
He further said that during the next three years, the country would need around 1600 tonnes imported LPG per day to meet the requirements of all consumers including auto sectors as the current local production of LPG stood at 1600 tonnes per day. In this way, the total requirement of the country after setting up LPG auto stations would reach around 3200 tonnes per day. LPG consumption increases in the winter to 22,000 metric tones per day as against 18,000 metric tones per day in summer.
Sources said marketing companies like Shell and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) are also taking interest in setting up LPG auto stations and they would be allowed to sell four tonnes on one stations where the gas companies would not exist. About 5000 tonnes LPG was imported in the current month of January and the same quantity would be imported in the next month. They further informed that 40,000 tonnes LPG was imported during the calendar year 2007 against 39,000 tones in the previous year to meet the domestic requirements of the country. Investment in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector stands at Rs 11 billion so far. According to OGRA officials, investments in CNG sector have been made more than Rs 45 billion against LPG sector. More investment in LPG is expected during the coming years.
They further said that OGRA expects to grant about 20 provisional licenses for construction of LPG facilities including automotive fueling stations all over the country during 2007-09. Only licensed LPG marketing companies and OMCs are allowed to set up LPG refueling stations. staff report