Gas supply halted to CNG stations, industries in Sindh for two days

KARACHI: In a further escalation of Pakistan’s ongoing gas crisis, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) declared on Friday a suspension of supply to industries and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations across the province of Sindh.

The gas supplier outlined that all industries, inclusive of their power generation units, and every CNG station in Sindh, including those operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG), will experience a 48-hour closure.

This period is set to begin at 8 am on December 30, 2023 (Saturday) and conclude at 8 am on January 1, 2024 (Monday).

Attributing the closure to a shortfall in gas supplies within the SSGC’s system, leading to reduced gas availability, the company highlighted the depletion of line packs and subsequent low pressures in the system as key factors.

This move aligns with clause 14 of the Gas Supply Agreement (GSA) for industrial customers, duly approved by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).

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Additionally, the closure adheres to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC)-approved sector-wise Gas Load Management Plan, which seeks to rationalise gas usage.

SSGC issued a stern warning, indicating that any industry found in violation of this designated “Gas Holiday Period” would face severe consequences, including the disconnection of their gas supplies for a minimum of seven days.

This development follows last week’s decision by SSGC, citing a combination of shortages and low pressure, to suspend gas supply to industries and captive power plants in Karachi from 8 am on December 23 to 8 am on December 25.

The ongoing crisis raises concerns about the wider implications for industries and daily life in the affected regions.