ISLAMABAD: In an effort to manage the ongoing electricity crisis in the country, authorities have decided to divert gas supplies from the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) sector to the power generation sector.
According to officials, the move is aimed at improving electricity production amid rising demand and persistent fuel constraints. Under the new decision, 48 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas previously allocated to the CNG sector has been suspended.
As a result, the gas quota for the power sector has been increased from 108 MMCFD to 150 MMCFD. Despite this adjustment, officials acknowledge that the power sector is still facing a significant shortfall in gas supply, which continues to impact electricity generation.
The decision is part of a broader gas load management plan being implemented to balance competing demands across different sectors during periods of shortage. Under this plan, domestic consumers have been given priority, particularly during meal preparation hours, to ensure households have access to gas at critical times of the day.
Energy officials say the restructuring is necessary to stabilize electricity production and reduce load-shedding pressures, especially during peak demand periods. However, they also admit that systemic shortages in the gas supply chain continue to pose challenges.
The CNG sector, which relies heavily on natural gas for transportation fuel, is expected to face operational disruptions due to the suspension of its allocated supply. Industry stakeholders have previously raised concerns that such measures can impact public transport costs and overall mobility.
Energy experts note that Pakistan’s recurring gas shortages stem from a combination of declining domestic production and increasing demand across residential, industrial, and power sectors. They argue that without long-term reforms, including energy diversification and infrastructure upgrades, such measures will remain short-term fixes.
