Govt diverts gas to power sector, CNG supply cut to ease electricity shortage

The government has increased gas allocation to the power sector by diverting supplies from the CNG sector to address electricity shortages. Gas supply to power plants has been raised to 150mmcfd from 108mmcfd after suspending 48mmcfd previously allocated to CNG.

Despite the increase, the power sector continues to face a supply gap. Demand stands at around 450mmcfd, while Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited is supplying 150mmcfd, leaving a shortfall of about 300mmcfd and limiting output from gas-fired plants.

Officials said gas distribution is being managed to prioritise domestic consumers during peak cooking hours, with supply ensured for four hours each at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Export-oriented industries are receiving uninterrupted gas, while 30mmcfd has been allocated to captive power plants.

Fertiliser production is also being maintained, with Agritech Limited receiving 24mmcfd of gas.

An LNG cargo is expected to arrive at the PGPL terminal on April 30, which may help reduce the shortfall in the power sector.

At the same time, the Power Division has increased reliance on hydropower. Water releases from Tarbela Dam have raised generation to around 6,000MW during peak hours, out of an installed capacity of 11,500MW.

The higher hydropower output has supported grid stability, enabling transmission of about 500MW from southern regions, while some plants increased generation using local gas, adding around 100MW to the system.