Local gas curtailment rises to 350 MMcfd as RLNG offtake drops

Local gas curtailment has increased to 350 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) after a sharp reduction in RLNG consumption by the power sector led to a buildup of pipeline pressure, The News reported, citing officials in the Petroleum Division as saying.

RLNG offtake by power plants fell to 122 MMcfd, disrupting system balance and pushing pipeline linepack to 4.9 billion cubic feet (bcf). To manage pressure levels, authorities raised curtailment of indigenous gas production from 250 MMcfd to 350 MMcfd.

Officials said the decline in consumption required throttling of local gas output to stabilise the transmission system.

The government is planning to divert 35 LNG cargoes to the international market in 2026, including 24 cargoes under long-term supply agreements with QatarEnergy and 11 from Eni. No cargoes were diverted in January or February 2026, but diversions are set to begin in March, starting with one cargo from Eni.

Exploration and production (E&P) companies have raised concerns over repeated shutdowns of local gas fields, warning that certain reservoirs may not fully recover their natural pressure once closed.