ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to give top priority to domestic consumers in the allocation of locally produced gas during the upcoming winter season, while prioritising regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) for power generation and industrial users.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad to review preparations for managing gas demand and supply during the winter months.
The prime minister directed relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive gas load management plan and take advance measures to address potential supply challenges.
He also called for a robust public awareness campaign to inform consumers about the gas load management strategy and promote measures aimed at ensuring uninterrupted supplies amid the prevailing regional situation.
According to the briefing presented at the meeting, domestic consumers will receive priority for locally available gas, while RLNG supplies will be prioritised for power plants and industries.
The government also plans to launch an awareness campaign encouraging households to use alternative energy sources instead of locally produced gas where possible.
Measures to Ensure Winter Gas Supplies
The meeting was informed that steps were being taken to ensure uninterrupted delivery of gas from reserves located in the northern regions of the country.
Authorities are also considering a proposal to introduce financing facilities for electrical, water-heating and space-heating appliances to encourage consumers to shift towards alternative energy sources and reduce pressure on the gas network during peak winter demand.
Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the concerned authorities to ensure timely implementation of the measures and take all necessary steps to maintain reliable gas supplies throughout the winter season.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ali Pervaiz Malik, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Industry Haroon Akhtar, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior government officials.
