The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced that there will be no gas load-shedding for domestic consumers during nighttime hours in the winter season. Instead, the company is implementing pressure profiling to ensure a consistent gas supply during these periods.
“No gas load-shedding is carried out during the night for domestic sectors, with pressure profiling being conducted to ensure better gas supply during these hours,” the spokesperson stated.
Gas Supply Challenges
SSGC acknowledges a significant reduction in gas supply, attributed to the annual depletion of natural gas reserves. Since the 2017-18 period, there has been a 40% decrease in gas supply, while demand has continued to rise, exacerbating the supply-demand gap.
Restoration Efforts in Key Areas
In response to these challenges, SSGC has undertaken extensive restoration projects to improve gas distribution networks:
- Karachi: Special focus has been given to tail-end areas such as Defence and Lyari. Work in Lyari has reached 50% completion, with full completion expected by June 2025. Additionally, rehabilitation projects covering approximately 350 km of network in Lyari and adjoining areas are planned, with an estimated cost of around Rs. 3.5 billion.
- Interior Sindh: Major rehabilitation schemes are planned in cities including Kandhkot (113 km), Shahdadkot (92 km), and Sakrand (75 km).
- Balochistan: Efforts are underway to supply sufficient gas volumes, especially during peak usage in winter months, to meet the increased demand for heating and cooking.
Key Challenges Facing SSGC
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Declining Gas Reserves | Depletion of natural gas reserves has significantly impacted supply |
| Increased Demand | Rising demand for gas, particularly during winter, exacerbates supply shortages |
Key Initiatives by SSGC
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Prioritization of Domestic Consumers | Ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to domestic consumers during nighttime |
| Network Restoration | Improving gas distribution in key areas like Karachi, Thal, and Shahdadkot |
| Pressure Profiling | Optimizing gas pressure to ensure consistent supply across the network |
Comparison of Gas Supply Reduction Over the Years
| Year | Gas Supply Reduction |
|---|---|
| 2017-2018 | Baseline |
| 2018-2019 | 10% decrease |
| 2019-2020 | 20% decrease |
| 2020-2021 | 30% decrease |
| 2021-2022 | 35% decrease |
| 2022-2023 | 40% decrease |
SSGC’s Network Rehabilitation Plans
| Region | Planned Rehabilitation (km) |
|---|---|
| Karachi | 492 |
| Interior Sindh | 202 |
| Balochistan | 49 |
Note: These figures represent planned rehabilitation works for the fiscal year 2022-2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there gas load-shedding for domestic consumers during nighttime in winter?
A1: No, SSGC has stated that there is no gas load-shedding during nighttime for domestic consumers. Instead, pressure profiling is conducted to ensure a better gas supply during these hours.
Q2: What is causing the gas shortage in SSGC’s supply areas?
A2: The gas shortage is primarily due to the annual depletion of natural gas reserves, leading to a 40% decrease in supply since the 2017-18 period, coupled with an increase in demand.
Q3: What measures is SSGC taking to improve gas supply?
A3: SSGC is undertaking extensive network rehabilitation projects in Karachi, Interior Sindh, and Balochistan to enhance gas distribution and address low-pressure issues.
Q4: When is the rehabilitation work in Lyari expected to be completed?
A4: The rehabilitation work in Lyari is currently 50% complete, with full completion expected by June 2025.