In yet another massive scam that could run into billion of dollars, the Pakistan Supreme Court has been told that a French company was awarded two contracts for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) without even participating in the bidding procedure.

During a hearing, Petroleum Ministry's special secretary G A Sabari told the apex court that the French company, GDF Suez, had neither applied for the short term (five years) 3.5 million tons gas supply nor for the long term (20 years), as required under the bidding laws.

Despite that fact the French company was given both the contracts worth 25 billion dollars in February 2010 in the Economic Coordination Committee presided over by Shaukat Tarin on the recommendation of Petroleum Ministry bosses, The News reports.

The Supreme Court was also told that the that Sui Sounthern Gas Company had also recommended to give the short-term gas supply contract to Shell through a letter dated May 2, 2009, without calling any tenders and bids.

Sabari also told the court that initially 53 companies, which were finally shortlisted to 10, were in the race for the gas supply deal, but ultimately GDF-Suez, which didn't even feature in the list was awarded the contract. (ANI)