Both SNGPL and SSGC have been giving out conflicting statements about the gas supply situation in Pakistan. Recently in a meeting with parliamentarians, they both requested the Government to allow industries to use local gas for electricity production. They claimed that there was excess gas supply now that industrial CPPs have closed down.
But in the same reports they both agree to receive new RLNG shipments and also agree to impose daily gas supply suspension for domestic users while also refusing to quickly install new gas connections for domestic or industrial users. This is contradictory to their initial claim.
Both SNGPL and SSGC are playing a dangerous game that can damage the infrastructure of Pakistan. Because from these reports, it seems that they are withholding gas supply to domestic and commercial users to promote the sale of LNG. They seem to be doing this while also pumping in excess RLNG into the gas pipelines fully aware that demand has reduced, which can damage the entire pipeline.
The Government and BODs of these two institutions are requested to look into this contradiction. With excess supply the Government should be promoting the use of gas and should be installing new connections in commercial and domestic sectors. Similarly, Pakistan’s Government should stop procurement of RLNG as many private companies are now importing RLNG on their own and Government has no demand for RLNG in any Government projects.
Shahryar Khan Baseer
Islamabad
