Quetta, Pakistan: The wealthy elite in Balochistan continue to steal gas, with nearly 80 percent of gas meters reported as tampered, according to revelations presented in a Senate standing committee meeting on petroleum.
Speaking to the committee, Secretary Petroleum Momin Agha said that despite court cases, replacement of meters, and confiscation of compressor machines, gas theft remains rampant in the province. Officials from Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) informed the committee that the tampering of meters and extraction of gas through compressor machines has made it impossible to deliver gas to all consumers.
Under the chairmanship of Senator Umar Farooq, the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum received briefings from the Ministry of Energy, SSGC, and SNGPL officials. The officials stated that 20,000 compressor machines had been confiscated in Balochistan, yet new machines continue to appear, perpetuating the theft.
In Quetta, the winter demand for gas reaches 180 million cubic feet per day, but only 90 million cubic feet is currently being supplied, creating a daily shortfall of 90 million cubic feet. Secretary Petroleum warned that without local cooperation, the issue of gas theft cannot be effectively resolved.
The committee recommended a performance audit of oil and gas drilling rigs. SNGPL officials also revealed new gas fields discovered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including in Waziristan and Dera Ismail Khan, while noting that expensive LNG imports are being gradually reduced following a technical study projecting gas consumption through 2040.
Regarding domestic production, the Petroleum Division stated that Pakistan currently produces 3,200 MMFCD of gas, with roughly 50 percent from Sindh, 25–30 percent from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 3–4 percent from Punjab. However, some officials appeared unaware of these figures when questioned by the committee.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction over withheld data, instructing that all drilling performance audits and production details be promptly submitted. Senator Bilal Ahmed emphasized that, according to Balochistan High Court orders, gas should be specifically allocated for Balochistan with fixed rates, particularly during winters, when daily demand reaches 190 million cubic feet. He suggested dedicating Sui Field production exclusively to Balochistan and holding authorities accountable if theft continues.
Officials also provided updates on the Reko Diq project, noting that production is expected to begin in 2028. Pakistan has secured $3.5 billion in financing for the $7.7 billion project, which is projected to bring $26 billion benefits to Balochistan and $11 billion to the federal government. The committee called for audits of all oil drilling rigs, with reports to be shared with the Senate.
