Forced closure: Dawood and Engro plants shut down

SNGPL suspends gas supply to the fertiliser sector and diversion of gas to the power sector.

KARACHI: Two fertiliser plants on the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited network had reportedly been shut down after SNGPL suspended their gas supply. Dawood Fertilizer Limited DFL on Monday said that it had shut down its fertiliser plants after SNGPL informed them that in view of severe energy crisis, load shedding prevailing in the country, they have been advised by the government of Pakistan for immediate suspension of gas supply to the fertiliser sector and diversion of gas to the power sector. Engro’s new plant Enven has reportedly been shut down as well, according to an official. Accordingly, SNGPL informed that it will not be in a position to continue gas supply to fertiliser industries till further instructions. DFL in a communication to Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) today said as a consequence it has been forced to shut down its plant and will inform KSE when gas supply is restored. The SNGPL network includes Pakarab Fertilizer, Engro Enven, Agritech Limited and DFL fertiliser plants.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2012.