In a significant move to alleviate winter hardships, Pakistan's major gas utilities have substantially increased their supply to consumers. The federal government's directives have resulted in a notable boost, ensuring greater public relief during the cold season.
Substantial Increase in Gas Supply
During a high-level review meeting on gas supply and winter load management, it was revealed that Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) provided an additional 95 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) in December 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Similarly, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) enhanced its supply by 32 mmcfd for the same period. This combined increase of 127 mmcfd was implemented following the directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, focusing on domestic consumers.
The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, assessed the arrangements for the ongoing winter. The minister expressed satisfaction, noting that gas supply to domestic consumers this winter was better than the previous winter. The briefing from the companies highlighted their efforts to maximize public convenience.
Tech Upgrades and Pressure Management
A key development discussed was the deployment of modern technology to monitor the network. Both companies have installed IoT-based monitoring systems and Town Border systems at the tail ends of the gas network. These systems are designed to automatically generate alarms if pressure drops occur, allowing for quicker responses.
While appreciating this initiative, Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik directed SSGC to further improve its pressure management and alarm systems, particularly for tail-end areas. The goal is to ensure a timely response to any issues and maintain an uninterrupted supply. He instructed both SUI companies to maintain adequate gas pressure and ensure consistent service delivery, stating that "assuring public convenience is paramount & customer service must be improved."
OGRA Audit and Complaint Redressal
The meeting also reviewed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) audit report on compliance with service standards, with a focus on complaint handling. The audit presented encouraging results:
- 98.5% of consumer complaints in SNGPL were resolved per OGRA standards.
- 97% of complaints in SSGC were addressed in line with regulatory requirements.
While commending the overall performance, the minister directed that complaint redressal be validated by OGRA on a quarterly basis. He gave specific instructions to resolve the remaining 2–3% of complaints strictly according to the standards. Furthermore, to enhance transparency and accountability, the companies were directed to incorporate a customer feedback system upon the resolution of each complaint.
Minister Malik reaffirmed the government's commitment to consumer relief, efficient service delivery, the adoption of modern technologies, and strict regulatory compliance in the gas sector. The meeting underscored a continued focus on measures that directly impact public comfort during the challenging winter months.
