Impossible to provide 24-hour supply of gas
ISLAMABAD: Interim Power Minister Muhammad Ali has hinted at the possibility of gas load-shedding during the winter season, stating that providing a continuous 24-hour gas supply is not feasible.
Speaking after inaugurating the model customer service center of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited in Lahore, he stated that last year witnessed a 20% reduction in gas supply. He emphasized that purchasing costly gas and providing it at lower rates is unsustainable. He further stated that, this year, gas load shedding during winter is expected.
The government is actively exploring options to import more LNG cargoes to address the growing demand.
Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Musadik Malik, noted that Pakistan’s indigenous gas reserves are depleting at a rate of 10% annually. Several administrations have urged increased drilling to discover additional reserves to meet national demands.
Minister Ali disclosed that Pakistan is considering an offer for affordable gas and petrol from Iran. If other refineries, along with Pakistan Oil Refinery, agree to refine Russian oil, we can potentially procure larger quantities from Russia.
He hinted at imminent changes in gas prices under the interim government, with minor adjustments likely for the lower-income segment due to their limited affordability.
Recently, the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority raised liquefied petroleum gas rates by almost Rs40, following a day when petrol prices surpassed Rs300 in Pakistan.
There are reports that the Petroleum Division has proposed up to a 50% increase in gas sale prices in response to the demands of the International Monetary Fund.
