Pakistan may restrict household gas supplies to just eight hours a day this winter as authorities prepare a seasonal gas distribution plan to manage the expected gap between demand and supply.
According to sources, the Petroleum Division has completed preliminary preparations for the proposed winter gas supply schedule. A presentation is expected to be submitted to the prime minister before a final decision is made. Under the plan, households would receive gas during three main periods: breakfast, lunch and dinner, while supplies could remain restricted during the rest of the day.
The proposed schedule may be implemented separately by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), depending on their respective service areas. SNGPL is currently supplying around 487 million cubic feet of gas per day to domestic consumers, while SSGC provides approximately 286 million cubic feet daily.
The possible restrictions come as household gas consumption typically rises during winter, putting additional pressure on the country’s supply system. Consumers facing shortages may have to rely on alternative cooking fuels, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), potentially increasing household expenses.
However, the eight-hour supply schedule remains a proposal and has not yet been officially approved. The government is expected to announce the final decision and supply timings after reviewing the proposed plan.