Winter Gas Schedule

The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has officially announced a revised winter gas schedule for domestic consumers in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), marking a major shift in the management of household energy availability during the peak winter demand season. The decision aims to ensure fair distribution of gas, maintain pressure within the system, and help families plan their daily routines amid rising national consumption.

The new schedule—applicable from December to February—allocates three specific daily windows during which domestic consumers will receive uninterrupted gas supply. The move comes in response to growing seasonal demand, ongoing public complaints, and government directives to ensure better winter management.

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Three Fixed Daily Gas Supply Windows

Under the revised winter gas schedule, SNGPL has designated three time slots during which gas will be supplied to households across Punjab and KP. These supply windows are specifically aligned with mealtimes to support families in preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

New Daily Supply Windows

• Morning: 5:30am to 8:30am

• Midday: 11:30am to 1:30pm

• Evening: 5:30pm to 8:30pm

SNGPL officials advised households to arrange meals within these hours to avoid inconvenience. The officials assured that gas pressure would remain stable during these time slots, ensuring efficient cooking and heating operations.

This structured approach is meant to help manage the increased consumption trend during winter, when gas usage rises significantly due to heating appliances, geysers, and extended cooking durations.

No Load-Shedding for Industrial Consumers

While households will experience regulated supply, SNGPL clarified that no gas load-shedding will be implemented for the industrial sector. Industries will continue to receive uninterrupted gas supply to support economic activity, avoid production losses, and maintain export commitments.

Officials emphasized that unlike previous winter seasons, industrial operations would remain protected from fuel shortages—an especially important decision given Pakistan’s fragile economic situation and need to support manufacturing and export-oriented sectors.

Winter Demand Has Multiplied, But No Shortage in System: SNGPL

SNGPL stated that gas demand has “increased many times over” in the winter months, particularly in northern regions where temperatures drop significantly. Despite the pressure on the system, the company declared that gas is available and no nationwide shortage currently exists.

However, due to the rapid depletion of natural gas reserves in Pakistan, the utility urged consumers to adopt responsible usage patterns. Officials highlighted that gas is an expensive commodity and must be used strictly according to household needs.

Federal Government Directives on Winter Gas Supply

The announcement comes in the backdrop of strategic directions from the federal government. On November 24, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik chaired a detailed meeting on winter gas load management.

During the meeting, Malik instructed SNGPL and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to ensure maximum convenience for domestic consumers throughout the winter season. He emphasized the need for uninterrupted service and said all necessary steps must be taken to facilitate the public.

Briefing on National Gas Availability

• SNGPL and SSGC presented gas availability reports.

• The meeting reviewed the rollout of RLNG domestic connections across the country.

• Officials from OGRA, Petroleum Division, and gas utilities attended.

Malik also stated that domestic supply during the current winter is significantly better compared to last year, citing improved planning and better resource management.

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Improved Gas Supply: From 5am to 10pm

SNGPL’s Managing Director added another important perspective: gas availability this year has been extended beyond the formal supply windows.

He said that domestic consumers were receiving gas not only during the fixed three mealtime slots but from 5am to 10pm with varying pressure levels. This improvement, he stated, reflects SNGPL’s commitment to prioritizing household convenience during the peak winter period.

Gas Consumption Trends in Pakistan

Gas load-shedding and winter shortages have long been a sensitive social and political issue in Pakistan. According to Worldometer’s global energy statistics:

• Pakistan holds 0.4% of global gas reserves,

• But accounts for 1.1% of global gas consumption.

This imbalance highlights the urgency of managing domestic usage and revising supply strategies.

Sector-Wise Gas Distribution in Pakistan

• Households: 50% of total supply

• Fertilizer sector

• Independent power producers (IPPs)

• Industrial sector

• CNG sector

Households remain the largest consumers of gas, particularly during winter when heating and geyser usage peaks sharply.

Government Resumes RLNG Connections After Four Years

Another major development complementing the winter gas schedule is the government’s decision to resume the issuance of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections for domestic users. This marks the end of a four-year ban imposed in 2021 due to declining natural gas reserves.

Thousands of households had been forced to switch to expensive alternatives such as LPG for cooking and heating during the ban. The resumption of RLNG domestic connections is expected to help fill the gap left by falling natural gas production.

Why the New Schedule Matters

The revised gas timing plan carries several critical benefits:

1. Better Pressure Management

By distributing usage into fixed time slots, SNGPL can maintain higher and more consistent gas pressure during peak hours.

2. Equitable Distribution

Structured supply prevents certain regions from facing severe shortages while others consume disproportionate amounts.

3. Energy Conservation

Encouraging precise usage helps reduce unnecessary wastage of gas—important for a country with rapidly depleting reserves.

4. Improved Public Convenience

With clear scheduling, households can plan cooking and heating needs more effectively and avoid uncertainty.

Conclusion

The newly announced winter gas schedule by SNGPL aims to balance supply and demand during one of the most challenging periods for Pakistan’s energy sector. With rising winter consumption, limited reserves, and increasing pressure on the system, the three daily gas supply windows offer a structured approach to meeting domestic needs.

While the government focuses on improving supply, the responsibility also lies with consumers to use gas efficiently and avoid wastage. As Pakistan navigates its annual winter energy crisis, better management, updated policies, and responsible consumption will play essential roles in stabilizing the system for the future.