PM to Review Country’s Gas Situation Today

The Ministry of Petroleum is set to brief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the country's current gas situation, according to official sources. The briefing will encompass various aspects of Pakistan's gas supply, including availability for domestic consumers, the power sector, and the necessity for imported liquefied natural gas (RLNG).

The Ministry is anticipated to inform the prime minister of RLNG requirements, mainly for fulfilling power sector demands, alongside the gas availability for households. This discussion will offer an overview of the nation's gas requirements and supply position, highlighting the role of imported gas in addressing both domestic needs and electricity generation.

The government is currently working on a winter gas load management plan scheduled from November 2026 to February 2027. This plan aims to prioritize local gas production for domestic consumers during this period. The proposal indicates concentrating household supplies during peak cooking hours, while RLNG would be prioritized for power generation and industry applications.

Gas demand is anticipated to surge significantly during the winter months, with projections suggesting that the SNGPL network's demand could double from approximately 550 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to 1,100 mmcfd. Similarly, SSGC demand is expected to increase from 300 mmcfd to 500 mmcfd.

The Petroleum Division has estimated that a total of 24 LNG cargoes might be required to meet the winter demands. These deliveries would be divided, with nine cargoes allocated for power generation and 15 for domestic consumers, with two contingency supplies being set aside. However, the procurement process has encountered challenges due to uncertainties surrounding Qatari deliveries and the high cost of spot-market purchases. Consequently, the gas supply plan is yet to receive official approval.