The federal government is considering a major diversion of domestic natural gas supplies to the power sector in an effort to contain electricity tariff increases and avoid severe loadshedding during the summer months.
According to a report by Dawn, gas supply to the power sector is expected to at least double to 160 to 170 million cubic feet per day by the end of April or early May, up from the current 85 to 90 million cubic feet per day. An additional 20 to 25 mmcfd may also be diverted from the CNG sector if the government is able to manage political pressure.
Federal Power Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has reportedly warned that unless more gas is shifted to electricity generation to replace unavailable imported LNG, power tariffs could rise sharply or the country may face large-scale loadshedding.
Officials said the government is also considering diverting supplies from domestic consumers, though this could affect more than 7 million gas users and trigger a political backlash. The minister is reported to have told the cabinet committee that the government is facing a difficult choice between unrest among gas consumers and nearly 30 million electricity users.
Gas supply to the fertilizer sector is expected to be protected as much as possible due to concerns over urea availability and the risk of smuggling, given the large price difference between locally produced and imported fertilizer.
The power division also warned that the fuel cost adjustment may rise significantly in May if expensive furnace oil and diesel are used more extensively. Without RLNG, around 5,000 megawatts of efficient plants in Punjab would become costly to operate.
Officials now expect two to three hours of average daily loadshedding, especially during night hours when solar generation declines and summer demand increases.
Solar is Always the option . Someone should tell them
Only self exploration of oil and gas present in the nation with emergency measure will make us not only self sufficient but exporter in energy sectors.
But this is no liked but hated by corupt in ministry of energy and petroleum who make commission on imports.
Overhaul these ministries from peon to secretary and minister.
Let nation be on its on feet.
Alhamdolilah
Since yesterday there has been a load shedding of one hour duration after every one hour. This is the height of torture. They are saving electricity to keep Islamabad 500% lit during the expected Iran-USA talks. Utter nonsense.