'Pilferage of oil, gas from pipelines punishable'

ISLAMABAD (APP) - A new law would be enacted within a month or so declaring the pilferage of oil and gas from pipelines as punishable offence, Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain said Sunday.
Talking to a private TV channel, he said, right now it is difficult to even register Fist Investigation Reporte (FIR) against the pilferage of oil and gas from pipelines. Culprits even escape penalty in collaboration with corrupt officials.
To a question he said Pakistan needs 37,7000 barrel crude a day. While its production is about 70,000 barrel crude a day.
Thus the country has a shortfall of about 300,000 barrel per
day.
Likewise, massive shortfall of gas the country is also facing. Total demand is of gas in country is 8 billion cubic feet (bcf) while production is only 4 billion cubic feet (bcf), he added.