Pakistan downplays challenges to limit gas supply in winter amid tariff hike

 In a recent announcement by Caretaker Energy Minister Muhammad Ali, Pakistan faces the dire prospect of limited gas availability during the winter months, adding to the burden on households due to the already substantial increase in gas tariffs. Ali's statement has created a stir across the country, as he revealed that gas supply will be limited to only 8 hours during the winter season.

In a press conference with Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, Ali candidly explained that the government's inability to provide round-the-clock gas availability forced the difficult decision. Gas will be available only in the morning, afternoon and evening hours, remaining in gas shortage for the rest of the day.

To meet the impending shortfall, the government has secured two LNG cargoes for December 2023 and plans to order two more for January 2024.

Notably, 30% of the country's population uses piped gas, while the rest, mainly in rural areas, rely on wood and LPG for their energy needs. The increase in gas tariffs mainly affected the affluent urban population, who enjoyed significantly lower rates than the rural population consuming LPG.