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Aftab Maken
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is facing a severe natural gas crisis as the national shortfall has surged beyond 600 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD), severely affecting households, electricity generation, and industrial operations across the country.
According to official and industry sources, the supply gap in the system operated by companies including Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has now widened to between 600 and 700 MMCFD, with some reports suggesting it has crossed 1,000 MMCFD.
The crisis has been primarily attributed to disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Qatar, reportedly due to regional geopolitical tensions, including the situation involving Iran, which has impacted supply chains.
Pakistan’s energy system traditionally relies on approximately 2,700 MMCFD of domestic gas production, while around 600 MMCFD is imported from Qatar in the form of LNG. Earlier this year, the country experienced a temporary surplus due to lower demand, but the situation has now reversed sharply.
As a result, electricity load shedding has risen to around 4,500 megawatts, while industries, factories, and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations are facing reduced or suspended gas supplies. Industrial output has also been significantly affected.
In response, the government has launched emergency measures, including a decision to nearly double gas supply to the power sector—from 85–90 MMCFD to 160–170 MMCFD. Authorities are also diverting gas from the CNG sector to manage the crisis.
In addition, efforts are underway to purchase expensive LNG from the spot market and increase production from existing oil and gas fields.
Experts warn that the situation could worsen during the upcoming peak summer demand season. Consumers have been advised to use gas cautiously, while gas utilities have already requested price increases to cover widening revenue shortfalls.
The government maintains that supply conditions will improve soon, leading to a reduction in load shedding. However, energy specialists stress the need for long-term structural solutions, including exploration of new gas fields, diversification of imports, and a shift toward alternative energy sources such as solar power.
For now, millions of households and businesses continue to bear the burden of the escalating gas crisis, which is emerging as a major challenge for Pakistan’s economic recovery.
