We need the IPI Pipeline but IMHO it is not going to be built because Pakistan does not have the money and it would be difficult to find a third party to finance it in the face of US opposition.
Besides, we are unable to safeguard the pipelines already in existence, it is reasonable to assume that it won’t be possible to police such a long pipeline and supply disruption would be the norm as BLA will blowing it up.
I agree that TAPI pipeline doesnot appear to be feasible and is probably nothing but a carrot offered to Pakistan to desist us from following up on IPI pipeline. Even if it is actually built, it would take a very long time.
It seems that only workable alternative is to go the LNG route. Qatar has the largest gas reserves in world and plenty of LNG for export. We can set up LNG receiving terminals along the coast and supply southern region with gas from LNG imports leaving indigenous gas to meet demand of the northern part.
Russia & Iran shows interest for establishment of Pak-Iran gas pipeline
South Asian News Agency (SANA) ⋅ March 13, 2012 ⋅ Share/Save
ISLAMABAD, (SANA): Russia & Iran shown interest for establishment of Pak-Iran gas pipeline; meanwhile Iran also offered 20 million dollars initially for the project to Pakistan.
The meeting of Economic Coordination Committee was held in Islamabad and was chaired by Federal Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh. The meeting approved Rs 6.1 billion for tumbling Pakistan Railways.
During the meeting, a committee has been constituted comprising Federal Minister Water and Power Naveed Qammar, Petroleum Minister Dr Asim, Governor State bank of Pakistan and Secretary Economic Affairs Division to review Pak-Iran gas pipeline project. The committee will present its report regarding the project within two or three days.
The meeting also formed a committee under the supervision of Naveed Qammar to review 1.2 million wheat exports to Iran. The Economic Coordination Committee also set urea price at Rs 1600 per 40 kilogram.
==============