Index of Freedom from‘Want’ 7.5 Energy Security Energy security refers to the continuing accessibility to energy sources at reasonable prices. The first indicator of energy security is gas consumption per capita. The index value of this indicator is 0.363 in 2020-21, which is very low. The chart 7.5 shows a downward trend in gas consumption over time. The reduction in gas consumption in Pakistan can be attributed to inadequate exploration and production and the change towards other fuels and renewable energy. The second indicator is electricity consumption per capita. Table 7.4 shows that the electricity consumption per capita increased to 523 kWh in 2020-21. This figure denotes electricity consumption, comprising both commercial and residential usage. It is significant to know that this value is comparatively low compared to other nations. Chart 7.5 shows that with the passage of time, gas consumption per capita has decreased while electricity consumption per capita has increased. Chart 7.5: Electricity consumption per capita and gas consumption per capita The third indicator of energy security is petroleum consumption per capita. Table 7.5 shows that the value of this indicator has fallen sharply over the years. It is important to note that Pakistan depends massively on oil imports to meet the demand for petrol, which makes the country vulnerable to price variations and supply interruptions in global petroleum markets. Also, POL prices have increased rapidly in recent times. Further, the use of furnace oil as an input in electricity generation has declined. The fourth indicator of energy security is domestic gas production as a percentage of consumption. The value of this indicator has fallen from 100% in 2001-02 to 79 percent in 2018-19, with a slight increase to 88.3% in 2021-22. Imports of LNG have taken place to supplement domestic gas. 57