What Will Be the Gas Schedule in Winter? Government’s Major Decision Emerges
ISLAMABAD (Daily Qudrat): With the onset of cold weather, public concerns regarding gas supply in winter have begun to increase. The government has started considering important measures to deal with the gas crisis during the upcoming winter season and to provide better facilities to consumers.
A high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed in detail the gas load management plan for winter. The meeting was attended by federal ministers, energy officials and representatives of relevant institutions.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister directed that domestic consumers be given the foremost priority in gas supply and that the load management strategy be implemented effectively. He also directed the relevant institutions to launch an awareness campaign to provide timely information to the people so that consumers do not face any kind of difficulty.
In a briefing by officials, it was stated that RLNG will be given priority for electricity generation and the industrial sector, while at the domestic level, along with the use of local gas, planning is also being made to promote alternative energy sources.
It was further stated that steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted transmission from gas reserves in the northern areas. In addition, bank financing proposals for alternative systems for water heating and space heating are also under consideration so that additional facilities can be provided to consumers.
To maintain gas supply in winter, the government is also working on a plan to import LNG from December to February. According to sources, gas companies and the Petroleum Division have indicated the need for at least 22 LNG cargoes, while the Energy Task Force is considering obtaining 10 to 12 cargoes, keeping in view available resources and the regional situation.
Energy experts say that timely planning and import arrangements can significantly reduce the effects of gas shortage in winter.
