Gas crisis persists as Sindh CNG stations extend shutdown

CNG in Sindh on Thursday extended their closure for another day, announcing to open at 8 am on Friday amid ongoing gas shortage issues.

Earlier this week, the State-owned Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), while denying gas load shedding in its franchise areas, had said that shortages may occur due to the company getting lesser gas from different gas fields owned by E&P companies.

“The complaints of low gas pressure are due to the low pressure at gas fields,” a statement by the company read. “At present, SSGC is facing a gas shortfall of 150mmcfd.”

Acknowledging the issues, including power outages, being caused by the disruption in gas supply, a K-Electric spokesperson released a video message saying: “Three out of K-Electric’s four gas-fired power plants are operating at under capacity due to the low gas pressure. It is a must to provide the required quantity of the gas at the required gas pressure so that we can increase power production and supplies.”

Further, Sinjhoro and Zarghun Gas Fields and other gas fields are currently undergoing Annual Turn Around (ATA), injecting reduced gas into SSGC’s system.

It is pertinent to mention here that the SSGC, earlier this week, had warned of a severe gas crisis during the upcoming winter season.

“Karachi and other parts of the province could possibly face a shortfall of 300mmcfd in winter,” the gas utility had said in a statement.

“We have informed the government of the shortage,” said the spokesperson. “It is now up to them to arrange additional supplies through imports or whatever source deemed fit.”

 

 

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