Tag: gas supply

  • SNGPL to provide uninterrupted gas supply during Sahr and Iftar in Ramadan

    SNGPL to provide uninterrupted gas supply during Sahr and Iftar in Ramadan

    Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has affirmed its commitment to providing uninterrupted gas supply during the holy month of Ramadan, specifically catering to the Sahr and Iftar periods. The decision comes as a proactive measure to facilitate consumers adhering to their religious practices.

    According to a spokesperson from Sui Northern, the gas supply will remain constant from 2:30 am to 8 am for Sahr (pre-dawn meal) and from 3 pm to 10 pm for Iftar (breaking of the fast). This move is aimed at ensuring a seamless gas service for consumers at crucial times during Ramadan.

    In addressing potential gas pressure issues, Sui Northern Gas has formed monitoring teams and established control rooms. These initiatives are designed to swiftly resolve any challenges that may arise, emphasising the company’s dedication to a reliable gas supply throughout the holy month.

    Consumers experiencing gas pressure or supply problems are encouraged to contact the dedicated helpline at 1199.

  • Sindh industries to face two-day gas supply suspension due to shortage

    Sindh industries to face two-day gas supply suspension due to shortage

    Gas supply to industries and power plants in Sindh will be stopped for 48 hours starting Saturday, as informed by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).

    The reason for this interruption is the low gas pressure in the system. There’s been a drop in pressure in the gas lines, leading to reduced supply.

    According to The News, the SSGC stated that due to insufficient gas supply, the available gas has decreased, causing low pressure in the system.

    As per the Gas Supply Agreement (GSA) guidelines for industrial customers approved by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and authorised by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet, all industries, including power generation units, will remain closed during this time:

    Starting from 8 AM on Saturday, August 26, 2023, to 8 AM on Monday, August 28, 2023.

    The gas will be supplied according to the established priority order. The company issued a stern warning that strict action would be taken if anyone was found violating these rules during the gas supply suspension.

    The statement also mentioned that if any violations are noted during this gas holiday period, the company will take significant measures, which might even involve the suspension of gas supplies for a minimum of 7 days.

    The company’s strict stance against any breaches during this gas supply suspension underscores the importance of adherence to these measures, with the possibility of severe consequences, including a minimum seven-day disconnection of gas supplies.

  • SNGPL announces mealtime-focused gas supply plan for Lahore residents

    SNGPL announces mealtime-focused gas supply plan for Lahore residents

    Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has introduced a fresh schedule for supplying natural gas to residential consumers in Lahore.

    As per the latest notification, the provision of sui gas will be facilitated from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM in the morning, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM during the afternoon, and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening.

    These timings appear to align with SNGPL’s decision to ensure gas availability primarily during meal times in the three major segments of the day. This revised timetable will take effect starting from August 18, 2023.

  • Major maintenance work to cause severe gas supply disruption in Karachi from tomorrow

    Major maintenance work to cause severe gas supply disruption in Karachi from tomorrow

    In a concerning development, the residents of Karachi are set to endure an extensive period of gas load shedding from August 12 to 27, as a critical gas supply of 107 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) faces disruption due to essential annual maintenance work at the Kunnar-Pasakhi Deep (KPD) gas field.

    The Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) has released a notification detailing the maintenance schedule for the KPD gas field, which is slated to be carried out in three phases over the course of 16 days. This maintenance work will necessitate a complete shutdown for eight days, coupled with a partial shutdown lasting four days.

    According to ARY News, the upcoming complete shutdown of gas operations is expected to result in a significant reduction of 107 mmcfd, while the partial shutdown will further trim the gas supply by 50 mmcfd. This unfortunate reduction in gas availability will inevitably impact various sectors, including domestic households, commercial establishments, industrial operations, and even the crucial Kapco power plants that rely on natural gas to generate electricity.

    This unfortunate situation follows closely on the heels of a recent setback faced by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) when a supply line was damaged during excavation work for the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) project within Karachi. The 8-inch-diameter gas supply line suffered damage in the vicinity of Safoora Chowrangi, leading to an abrupt suspension of gas supply to neighbouring areas.

    The affected localities encompass a wide range, including vital institutions like the Memon Foundation Hospital and the sprawling Karachi University, as well as residential communities such as Sadi Town, Rimjhim, Rizvia Society, and Down University. Moreover, industrial sites and research facilities like Suparco, Sachal Goth, and surrounding villages have also been grappling with the repercussions of this supply disruption.

    While the inconvenience caused by this unexpected gas supply interruption is deeply felt, the SSGC remains committed to ensuring the completion of essential maintenance work at the KPD gas field. Despite the challenges posed by these circumstances, the SSGC aims to minimise the impact on citizens’ lives and livelihoods to the greatest extent possible.

    As Karachi prepares itself for this period of gas load shedding, residents are urged to exercise prudence in their gas consumption, explore energy-efficient alternatives where feasible, and cooperate with the SSGC’s efforts to manage the situation effectively.

  • SSGC, SNGPL customers face load shedding and low gas pressure

    SSGC, SNGPL customers face load shedding and low gas pressure

    Many households in Pakistan served by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) are experiencing low gas pressure or no gas supply in the month of May. SSGC customers are facing seven to eight hours of load shedding, from 10 pm to 5-6 am, while SNGPL residential consumers are encountering a similar situation.

    The SSGC is facing a gas shortfall of 265 mmcfd as its demand is 1,165 mmcfd, but its supply is only 900 mmcfd, including 90 mmcfd of RLNG. The Sui Northern system has also lost 85 mmcfd gas for 12 days due to annual maintenance.

    A spokesperson from SSGC stated that the gas load shedding is being done for seven to eight hours to maintain the gas line pack so that the gas supply can be provided for 16-17 hours. Balochistan is receiving only 109 mmcfd of gas. The Sui Northern system’s situation is also vulnerable due to the suspension of supply from the Nashpa plant for 12 days.

    An official from Sui Northern stated that the gas companies are only providing gas for cooking times as per their agreement with residential consumers and not for 24 hours. However, the gas companies used to supply gas for 24 hours, which was not agreed upon by the domestic consumers.

    According to The News, the Punjab power sector is receiving 605 mmcfd RLNG, while the fertiliser sector is receiving 88 mmcfd. The power sector’s RLNG consumption has reduced to 605 mmcfd due to low temperatures. The government is receiving 900 mmcfd gas, but it has a purchasing capacity of 1,200 mmcfd. Pakistan is receiving RLNG of nine cargoes on long-term agreements, eight from Qatar and one from ENI.

    Despite the decline in RLNG prices to $12-13 per barrel in the international market, Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) is reportedly unable to purchase spot cargoes due to a dollar liquidity crisis.

  • Gas crisis to worsen in Pakistan as Italy-based supplier refuses to deliver LNG cargo in February

    Gas crisis to worsen in Pakistan as Italy-based supplier refuses to deliver LNG cargo in February

    The Italian LNG trading company ENI has intimated that it won’t be able to deliver its LNG cargo scheduled on February 6, which might cause the gas situation in Pakistan to worsen in the coming days.

    The report has troubled the senior officials in the Petroleum Division since the country is already suffering from a severe gas shortage, with some major cities getting little to no gas pressure.

    In accordance with its petrol load management strategy, the government assured home users a supply of gas for cooking during the winter months for three hours from 6 am to 9 am, two hours from 12 pm to 2 pm for lunch, and three hours from 6 pm to 9 pm for dinner.

    According to authorities, the effect of ENI’s disengagement will be seen as a reduction in supplies to the power sector and the non-availability of the anticipated 325mmcfd supply for the sector next month.

    End users will receive expensive electricity as boiler oil-based electricity’s reliance grows. The captive power plants will be delivered gas at 50 per cent and supply to fertiliser plants, compressed natural gas (CNG) and local industry shall remain discontinued.

    The Petroleum Division had earlier asserted that the ENI will not default starting in January 2023, however, this is untrue.

    The February supply setback is due to an occurrence of Force Majeure, according to an ENI representative, who also confirmed the news, saying that ENI is not in any way benefited from the circumstance.

    According to The News, ENI defaulted five times last year, failing to deliver LNG cargoes in the months of March, May, July, September, and November.

  • Pakistani delegation leaves for Russia to hold discussions on cheaper oil

    Pakistani delegation leaves for Russia to hold discussions on cheaper oil

    Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik and the petroleum secretary have flown to Russia to hold talks over oil and gas, a source with knowledge of the situation said on Monday on the condition of anonymity.

    The trip comes as the country struggles to meet domestic gas supply demands as winter approaches while battling to contain a current account deficit swelled by energy payments, mostly for oil.

    Ishaq Dar, the federal minister of finance, had already stated that the delegation will discuss an oil contract with Moscow.

    “We should pray the visit is successful and the government manages to secure a deal on favourable terms and conditions,” Dar said during an interview.

    Given the sharp rise in the cost of energy commodities in recent months, buying Russian oil at lower prices has gained popularity. This has been difficult, especially for emerging economies like Pakistan, whose energy requirements are mostly met by imports of petroleum.

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said that during the first four months of the current fiscal year, Pakistan imported petroleum products worth $7.547 billion.

    Dar had earlier stated, speaking to a crowd in Dubai on November 13, that Islamabad hoped to clinch an import pact with Moscow on conditions comparable to those of New Delhi. He said that Pakistan could purchase oil from Russia since India was doing the same, and the US had been informed of this.

  • OGDCL confirms gas discovery near Ghotki, Sindh

    OGDCL confirms gas discovery near Ghotki, Sindh

    On Wednesday, the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) announced the finding of gas from an exploration well near Ghotki, Sindh.

    “The joint venture (JV) of Guddu Block comprising Oil & Gas Development Company Limited as an operator (70 per cent), SPUD Energy PTY Limited (SEPL) (13.5 per cent), IPR Transoil Corporation (IPRTOC) (11.5 per cent), and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) (5 percent) has discovered Gas from an exploratory well namely Umair South East # 01, which is located in District Ghotki, Sindh,” the company stated in a notice.

    The Umair South East # 01 well, according to OGDCL, was spudded on May 9, 2022, as an exploration well to investigate the hydrocarbon potential of the Pirkoh Formation and Habib Rahi Limestone (HRL) to a projected depth of 785m.

    “Based on the interpretation of wireline logs, successful Drill Stem Test-1 in HRL tested 1.063 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) gas through choke size 32/64” at 210 pounds per square inch (PSi) Well Head Flowing Pressure (WHFP)”.

    The finding of Umair South East-1 is the outcome of Guddu Joint Venture Partners’ aggressive exploration approach, according to the Pakistani oil and gas business.

    “It has opened a new route and will favourably contribute to alleviating energy demand and supply gaps from indigenous resources, while also adding to OGDCL’s and the country’s hydrocarbon reserves base,” it said.

    The discovery comes at a fortunate time for Pakistan, which has recently experienced huge power outages and a gas scarcity.

    Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) discovered gas/condensate earlier this month in the Bannu West-1 ST-1 Exploration Well, which was drilled in the Bannu West Block in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

  • Pakistan loses $250m worth of textile exports due to gas shortage

    Pakistan loses $250m worth of textile exports due to gas shortage

    Pakistan has lost $250m worth of textile exports in December 2021 when the gas supply was suspended for 15 days in the Punjab textile sector.

    Executive Director of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Shahid Sattar also confirmed the loss of millions of dollars by saying that it will “never be recovered.”

    The government restored gas supply on December 29 with the supply of 75 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) by mid-January and ensured that the supply would be increased up to the finest level after the extreme winter season was over.

    On the other hand, the sources said that the gas being supplied to the export sector is less than the government announced despite the industry purchasing gas at $9 per Metric Million British Thermal Unit (MMBTU), instead of $6.5 mmcfd during the winters.

    The ministry of Commerce sources also revealed that the smooth supply of electricity was not received by the textile mills in Punjab from the national grid due to interruptions. They further added that it is causing huge losses to the industry, which may go up to $250-400 million per month.

    The textile mills association also sent the letter to the Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce and Textiles Abdul Razak Dawood on January 7, in which they expressed their serious concern over the interruptions in the supply of electricity.

    The letter said, “Each interruption wastes half an hour and up to two hours in restarting the machinery, resulting in losing material and rendering capacity grossly underutilized.”

    It further added that mills were currently running on 80% capacity, which signifies a 20% loss of exports. “And this adds up to losses between $250-$400 million in exports lost every month”.

  • ‘It’s fake news’: Hammad Azhar says govt never promised gas supply three times a day

    ‘It’s fake news’: Hammad Azhar says govt never promised gas supply three times a day

    Federal Energy Minister Hammad Azhar, while discussing Pakistan’s gas crisis on the Geo News‘ programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, said that the media reports stating that the government had ordered gas supply only three times a day was “fake news”.

    “First of all, this fake news [was associated with me] that gas will only be supplied three times a day,” he stated. “I was asked in the Senate about it to which I said the government never made any such commitment simply because it is not possible to do so.”

    The minister said it is not “logistically possible” to cut off gas supply connections in people’s homes numerous times during the day to ensure that gas is available three times a day.

    “We did, however, tell the gas companies to try and prioritise gas pressure for domestic consumers three times a day when people prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” he clarified.

    Earlier in November, the government decided to provide gas to the residential sector only three times a day for cooking purposes throughout December to March to minimise gas shortages in Pakistan.

    “Gas to residential sector shall be provided three times a day for cooking only,” the meeting was informed by the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Divi­sion), who added that Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) diversion to domestic consumers is to be made bare minimum for stability.

    This was all decided by Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) during a meeting presided over by Minister for Planning and Develop­ment Asad Umar. This is part of the Gas Load Management Plan for winter 2021-22, which was presented to the committee.