TAPI member countries may have a solution on hand for taking the project forward.
Speaking to mediapersons at the sidelines of Petrotech 2012, Asim Hussain, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Pakistan, said, “One good development that took place in Ashgabatis is that they (Turkmenistan) have agreed for gas swap agreement with the Petrobas field in the Caspian Sea block. That will bring the timelines of the project forward.”
Pakistan has given its nod to ADB to go ahead with the project, he said adding that certain formalities of the Government of India are awaited, and as soon as they are available, they would be formally launched.
As regards Bangladesh joining the TAPI project, he said there is an assessment that Afghanistan will not consume the entire designated gas initially. “Pakistan was interested in those volumes. If Bangladesh needs some volume it can go to India. In turn, India, instead of laying a pipeline, can swap some gas on the Eastern side with Bangladesh with some gas from the TAPI project,” he added.
Imports from India
On Pakistan importing petroleum products and R-LNG through India, the Minister said it would depend on the pricing.
Import of petroleum products from India is not banned on either side, he said. “It could be done through the pipeline for the northern region or through the sea route from refineries in Mumbai to Karachi,” the Minister said.
A team of Indian National Oil Companies will visit Pakistan, the Minister said adding, “We need to know the price.”
“We are looking into the prospect of importing gas through India. We are waiting for what price it is going to be. If the price is good, we can consider that too,” he said.
Auction of blocks in Pakistan
The Minister said Pakistan has put on offer 60 onshore blocks for which bids have been invited.
On special dispensation to Indian companies, the Minister said, “We have not yet discussed that so far (giving blocks for exploration to Indian companies).”