SSGC to suspend gas supply to industrial, CNG sectors for 48 hours

KARACHI: Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) said on Thursday it would suspend gas supply to industrial and CNG sectors in Sindh province for 48 hours from Saturday due to a gas shortage.

The company said in a statement that the suspension was necessary to maintain the gas pressure and line pack in its system, which had been affected by low gas availability from the fields.

"All industries including their power generation units and all CNG stations in Sindh (including those being operated on LNG) will observe 48 hours closure from 8am January 06, 2024 (Saturday) to 8am January 08, 2024 (Monday)," the statement said. "The closure is due to a shortage of gas supplies in SSGC’s system that has reduced gas availability; hence resulting in depletion of line pack and causing low pressures in the system."

The company added that the suspension was in accordance with the clause #14 of the Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) for Industrial Customers approved by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet. SSGC warned that it would take strict action against any industry found violating the "Gas Holiday Period" by disconnecting their gas supplies for at least seven days. The gas shortage has been a chronic problem in the country, especially in winter, when domestic demand surges. The country relies heavily on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet its energy needs, but faces challenges in shipments and pricing.