The gas transmission and distribution system of the country are facing a critical situation, with line pressure reaching a dangerous level of 5.13 billion cubic feet after May 5. From May 5 to May 25, the gas transmission pressure remained within manageable levels, ranging between 4.57 and 4.97 billion cubic feet. However, on May 25-26, the system encountered increased pressure due to a reduction in the power sector’s utilization of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG), as reported by a national daily.

To alleviate the pressure in the system, authorities have initiated measures to decrease gas flows from local gas fields into the SNGPL system. While this step is essential for managing line pack pressure, it poses significant risks to maintaining current production levels at local gas fields.

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As of May 26, the line pack pressure has reached 5.13 billion cubic feet. Local exploration and production companies have reduced gas flows by 176 million cubic feet from 783 million cubic feet to 605 million cubic feet, a concerning decrease. The power sector has also reduced RLNG usage for electricity generation, now utilizing only 475 million cubic feet, thereby adding more strain to the gas transmission system.

In the fertilizer sector, consumption has increased to 52 million cubic feet from 40 million cubic feet the previous day. Fatima Fertilizer has utilized only 24 million cubic feet of RLNG since reopening last week. Engro Fertilizer, which suspended system gas consumption on April 22 for a 54-day Annual Turnaround (ATA), has yet to resume operations. The data underscores the persistence of high-pressure conditions throughout the transmission network due to the reduced offtake of RLNG.