Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain on Friday informed the Senate that Pakistan State Oil (PSO) owned Rs.168.683 billion dues against government and non-government customers including WAPDA, PIA, Railways, Navy, Amry, NLC, HUBCO, KESC and KAPCO etc.

Replying to various questions during Question-Hour he said that PSO outstanding dues against government customers are 38.792 billion and Rs.115.684 billion against non-government customers.

He said that the government has chalked out a comprehensive plan to get rid of circular debt and very soon it would be met.

To another question, the minister said that 131 exploratory wells of oil and gas were drilled during the last five years in the country. He said that it is a fact that production of oil and gas in the country is less than the demand. However, the government has taken various steps to enhance oil and gas production.

He said presently 133 exploration licenses have been granted for exploration of oil and gas in the country besides signing exploration licenses of over 30 blocks during the last year. He said that an agreement was signed with Iran for the import of 750 MSCFD of natural gas and the project would be completed in three years.

To a question, the minister said that SNGP was bound to contribute their share for the schemes approved by the Prime Minister upto the cost criteria in the light of approved guidelines.