Gas companies prepare for winter supply plan

ISLAMABAD:

As winter approaches, gas companies have initiated preparations for a gas load management plan for the upcoming winter season whereby there will be no interruption of gas supply during morning, afternoon, and evening hours for domestic consumers.

Sources said that local gas production in winter will reach a daily average of 3.6 billion cubic feet, with an additional 1 billion cubic feet imported in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

This would ensure a total availability of 5 billion cubic feet of gas per day in the system during the winter season.

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However, the expected maximum gas demand during winter is projected to be around 6.5 billion cubic meters, resulting in a shortfall of 1 billion cubic feet per day.

“Despite this, the priority will be to ensure an uninterrupted supply of gas to domestic consumers, with the power sector receiving secondary priority,” the sources said.

They indicated that industries categorised as zero-rated will likely be exempted from gas load shedding. Specific schedules for the supply of gas to general industries are also being considered.

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In regards to the compressed natural gas (CNG) sector, the supply of gas will be subject to availability. However, there will be no load shedding for the domestic sector during the morning, afternoon, and evening hours.

The gas load management plan is expected to be finalised by mid-October and will require the approval of the federal government. Upon approval, the plan will be implemented from November to March of next year.