Minister seeks firms’ input on energy deals with Russia

A “breakthrough” between Pakistan and Russia on the projects agreed between the two countries in the energy sector is expected in December. According to Express News, way has been paved for the import of petroleum products, crude oil and gas from Russia, as refineries in Pakistan have expressed their willingness to produce yields from the Russian crude oil. In this regard, State Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik has sought suggestions from the petroleum companies for the strategic meeting. The petroleum firms have been directed to complete the paperwork and submit it in the session. The meeting will mull over the objectives, goals, problems and financial benefits of the energy projects agreed with Russia. During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan in September, Premier Shehbaz Sharif was told by Russian President Vladimir Putin that pipeline gas supplies to Pakistan were possible since part of the infrastructure was already in place. In the meeting, PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan was co¬m¬mitted to expanding co¬op¬eration with Russia acr¬oss all areas of mutual benefit including food security, trade and investment, ene¬rgy, defence and security.