In a recent press conference, Caretaker Power Minister Muhammad Ali unveiled a comprehensive plan to address the impending natural gas shortage during the upcoming winter season. As the South Asian nation grapples with recurring gas load shedding over the past few years, Minister Ali acknowledged the challenges ahead. He also emphasized that this year would be no exception, as it remained difficult to guarantee round-the-clock gas supply, given the current decline in natural gas reserves, which have dwindled by 18% compared to the previous year.
Gas Load Shedding Schedule:
To mitigate the impact of the impending gas shortage, the government intends to strive towards providing consumers with a daily gas supply of eight hours. While Minister Ali did not specify the exact timing for these allocations, it is worth noting that last year’s supply occurred at various times throughout the day.
LNG Cargo Boost:
Minister Ali expressed optimism that the looming gas scarcity for industries, particularly in December, would be significantly alleviated. The government has taken decisive steps by finalizing agreements for the importation of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes. This move is expected to bolster gas reserves and ensure a more stable supply chain during the winter months.
In addition to addressing the gas shortage, Minister Ali also shed light on the ongoing crackdown against power thieves. He revealed that substantial progress had been made in this regard, with an impressive recovery of Rs16 billion from electricity defaulters thus far. This crackdown not only helps deter illegal electricity consumption but also contributes to stabilizing the energy sector.
As winter approaches, Pakistan’s government, under the leadership of Caretaker Power Minister Muhammad Ali, is actively taking measures to mitigate the effects of gas shortages and ensure that both residential and industrial consumers have access to a more reliable and consistent gas supply. These initiatives, including LNG imports and the crackdown on power theft, are essential steps toward addressing the nation’s energy challenges and ensuring a more comfortable winter for all.
