KARACHI: Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) is forming a panel of Customs agencies to streamline and expedite the imports clearance of liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes as country’s demand for LNG could more than triple in the next three to five years.[the_ad id=”31605″]The last date for submitting the proposals is April 04, 2019.
Pakistan LNG is a state-owned company that buys LNG from the international market to supply to the domestic market.
Last year, Pakistan imported nearly 7 tonnes of LNG. This year, that could grow to as high as 15 million tonnes and to up to 25 million to 30 million tonnes over the next three to five years.
Pakistan LNG Limited, a subsidiary of Government Holdings Pvt Ltd, has invited proposals for Customs clering and allied services for the clearance of LNG cargoes being imported on a delivered ex-ship basis at the re-gasification terminals at Port Qasim, Karachi.
According to details, short listed Customs clearing services will be required to submit an unconditional and irrevocable bank guarantee for an amount of Rs1.0 million. Rate of cargo clearance and allied services will be based on per LNG shipment/call in local currency. This also includes facilitation required by PLL in getting Pakistan Customs Web Based Clearing System (WeBOC) registration or any other associated activity.
The selected Customs agency will also keep PLL updated at all times regarding any changes in Customs Act, taxes and duties schedule and any other tariff that may be applicable while also providing the relevant SROs applicable in the payment of the subject taxes.
The Customs agency would be responsible for clearance by the Customs and port authorities before the berthing of LNG carrier without any delay.
Pakistan’s two import terminals have a regas capacity of 1.2 billion to 1.3 billion cubic feet of gas per day, or about 9 million to 10 million tonnes of LNG a year, while country is expected to negotiate a few more long-term contracts to import LNG into the country.
Moreover, the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet has approved the setting up of a third liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Port Qasim. With the infrastructure in place and more projects in the pipeline, Pakistan has become a major buyer of imported gas in Southeast Asia’s booming LNG market, which accounts for two-thirds of the world’s demand and remains a focal point for the global LNG industry.