Industries will not face gas load-shedding for many years: SNGPL

They are already getting uninterrupted gas supply since Feb 2016


Imran Rana November 26, 2017
PHOTO: EXPRESS

FAISALABAD: Gas supply to industries has remained uninterrupted since February 2016 following import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the situation will continue to be the same this year too, declared Hanif Ramey, General Manager Distribution of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

Speaking at a meeting at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), where a large number of industrialists were present, Ramey recalled that before 2016 Pakistan was facing acute shortage of gas, but after that load-shedding came to an end.

“No more gas load-shedding is expected for the next many years,” he said.

He pointed out that the second LNG terminal, which started operations this week, had the capacity to re-gasify 600 million cubic feet per day, which would meet most of the domestic needs.

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“As directed by SNGPL, all pending applications for industrial and commercial connections are being processed on a fast track,” he said.

Despite provision of LNG to power houses, he emphasised that there would be surplus gas with SNGPL to cater to the needs of other consumers.

“So far, two LNG connections have been given to local industrial units whereas demand notices have been issued to another 40 industrial applicants. As soon as payment against these notices is made, the imported gas supply will start to these units,” he revealed.

The cost of this gas will be Rs970 per million British thermal units (mmbtu).

Responding to a question, Ramey said gas was also being provided to residential colonies. In this case, gas will be supplied through a bulk meter to the owner of the colony and the project developer will make internal arrangements for supplies within the colony.

In reply to another question, Ramey clarified that the industrial units situated in congested residential areas would receive gas connection on their previous terms and conditions if they shifted the units to the three notified industrial estates of the city.

M3, the entire Kurrianwala and the Small Industrial Estate Sargodha Road are included in these industrial areas.

Talking about gas infrastructure development cess and different gas rates within the country, he said the issues were not in his control. Regarding classification of the system gas and imported LNG, the department concerned would provide exact calculations.

Ministry seeks more gas supply to power plants

Ramey disclosed that so far 28% of gas was being supplied from the system to the industrial units as per their quota.

Regarding inordinate delay in the processing of new domestic connections, he emphasised that all hurdles had been removed and now about 275 demand notices were being issued every day and the number would jump to 350 in the next few days.

Speaking on the occasion, FCCI President Shabbir Hussain Chawla highlighted the issues related to gas supply and low pressure and underlined the need for resolving the problems immediately.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th, 2017.

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