ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has announced the closure of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across the country during December and January as part of its gas load management strategy aimed at ensuring a steady supply of natural gas to domestic consumers during the cold winter months.
This decision, made by the Ministry of Petroleum, also affects industries that rely on gas for electricity generation, which will face interruptions in gas supply throughout the same period.
The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has been directed to shut down CNG stations and disconnect gas supplies from December 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. The ongoing decline in annual natural gas production, which is dropping at a rate of 5%, has prompted the government to take these measures to prioritize household gas supply amid peak demand.
The closure is expected to impact public transport services, leading to frustration among commuters and businesses that rely on gas for their operations. This situation highlights the pressing need for effective gas management as the country grapples with supply challenges during the harsh winter season. Public transport vehicles have already begun to disappear from the roads due to the lack of gas availability, indicating the far-reaching effects of this decision on daily life and economic activities.
