Pakistan prepares winter gas load management plan with domestic focus

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to develop a comprehensive plan for managing gas supplies during the winter season. The directive aims to ensure uninterrupted gas supplies, with a focus on prioritizing domestic consumers for locally produced gas. The prime minister also ordered a public awareness campaign to inform consumers about the load-management strategy and encourage the use of alternative energy sources at the household level.

The meeting, which discussed winter gas load management, highlighted that imported liquefied natural gas (RLNG) would be prioritized for power generation and industrial use, while local gas would be directed towards household consumption. Authorities briefed the prime minister on measures to ensure uninterrupted gas transmission from reserves in the northern regions. The prime minister emphasized the need for advance planning to minimize disruptions during peak winter demand.

A proposal was presented to introduce bank financing facilities for electrical appliances used for water and space heating. This scheme aims to facilitate a shift towards electricity-based heating solutions, potentially reducing pressure on gas supplies. The meeting also considered improving public awareness about the government's gas load-management strategy, with directives to ensure consumers are well-informed about any changes affecting gas use.

The directives come as the government prepares its winter energy strategy, aiming to balance domestic gas requirements with the needs of the power generation and industrial sectors. The meeting was attended by key ministers, including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and other senior officials.