Gas load-shedding in southern Punjab continues

Low gas pressure affects domestic and commercial users, 350 CNG stations remain closed.

Gas supply to compressed natural gas (CNG) stations remained suspended Tuesday for the second consecutive day in southern Punjab, including Multan, as domestic and commercial users continued to face problems due to low gas pressure.

More than 350 CNG stations were closed as per the the new gas load management plan with industrial also being closed for two days due to low gas pressure.

Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Ltd (SNGPL) had issued a new gas load management plan according to which gas would be restored to industrial units in Lahore, along with Sheikhupura and Sahiwal districts, but gas supply to other parts of the province would continue.

The CNG shortage has disturbed local transport, creating problems for passengers with some transporters also increasing their fares.

The gas supply to CNG stations is scheduled to resume tomorrow.

Amid growing street protests against load-shedding of natural gas in the country, particularly in Punjab, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has convened a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to discuss the issue. No date has been fixed for the meeting, which will be attended by the representatives of all four provinces.