Government Acts to Ease Household Gas Shortages
Amid a sharp rise in domestic gas demand due to severe winter conditions, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik directed gas utilities to take immediate measures to relieve supply pressures on households across the country.
Chairing a meeting with senior officials from Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the minister stressed that ensuring uninterrupted gas supply for domestic consumers remains the government’s top priority.
Increased Gas Production and Supply
Officials reported that gas supply has been raised from 691 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to 746 mmcfd since January 6.
- Shiva gas field production was increased from 55 mmcfd to 65 mmcfd, contributing to improved household availability.
- SSGC reported that an additional 39 mmcfd is now being supplied to domestic consumers compared to the same period last year, following the restoration of output from two gas fields.
Measures to Prioritize Household Consumption
To strengthen oversight, Minister Malik directed weekly reports on gas demand and supply be submitted to the Petroleum Division, supported by daily operational monitoring. Officials already present a 24-hour supply report each day at 10am, allowing timely corrective measures.
Additionally, the minister instructed officials to explore options for diverting gas from the industrial sector to households during peak winter demand. SSGC officials confirmed that consultations are underway with industrial stakeholders to increase weekly industrial gas shutdowns from one day to two, where feasible, to prioritize domestic consumption.
Focus on Winter Relief
The government’s efforts aim to ensure that households do not face interruptions during the coldest months. Minister Malik emphasized the importance of maximizing facilitation for domestic consumers and continuously monitoring supply to respond promptly to any shortages.
