ISLAMABAD: Domestic gas consumers may receive full-pressure gas for only eight hours a day during breakfast, lunch and dinner this winter under a proposed load-management plan, raising concerns about household cooking needs and the possibility of higher expenses for families forced to use alternative fuels.
According to industry sources, the proposed schedule would restrict gas availability to three meal-time windows, with supplies likely to remain disrupted during the rest of the day because of the anticipated gap between demand and available gas. They said that under the proposed schedule, domestic consumers will receive gas for a total of eight hours a day during breakfast, lunch and dinner, while gas supply is likely to be disrupted during the remaining hours. They said for households that depend on pipeline gas for cooking, the proposed restrictions could mean reorganising daily routines around fixed supply hours. Families may have to prepare meals in advance, while those returning home late or needing to cook outside the designated windows could face difficulties if gas is unavailable, said sources.
The sources said Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) had agreed to the proposal to provide domestic consumers with full-pressure gas during the designated meal-time hours. The two utilities are expected to issue separate supply schedules for their respective service areas.
However, the proposal has not been officially announced, and its approval, implementation and precise timings remain unconfirmed. The final decision will determine whether consumers will face restrictions outside meal times and how the schedule will be implemented in different parts of the country.
The Petroleum Division has completed preliminary work on the proposed winter gas load-management plan and is expected to brief the prime minister, sources said. The proposal comes as colder weather is expected to increase household demand, placing additional pressure on available gas supplies.
SNGPL currently supplies 487 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas to domestic consumers, while SSGC supplies 286 MMCFD, according to figures shared in connection with the proposal. The two utilities serve different regions and would be responsible for implementing the proposed schedule in their respective areas if it receives approval.
The reported commitment to providing full-pressure gas during meal times is intended to help consumers cook during the hours when household demand is concentrated. However, consumers will be concerned about whether the promised pressure can be maintained consistently, particularly during breakfast and evening meal preparation, when many households need gas at the same time.
The financial impact could be significant for families unable to obtain gas outside the designated hours. Consumers may have to buy liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders or use other cooking fuels, increasing household expenses. For lower-income families, even a limited shift to alternative fuels could add to the cost of preparing daily meals.