Gas Rationing Plan Pakistan Govt Considers New Measures Amid Supply Shift
The gas rationing plan Pakistan is under review as supply conditions change quickly. Officials are now considering new measures to manage demand. As a result, energy planning has become more urgent. Earlier, gas prices rose sharply across sectors. In fact, the power sector reported rates similar to furnace oil. Therefore, many stakeholders raised concerns about rising costs.
From Surplus to Shortage
Before the Middle East conflict, Pakistan faced a gas surplus. The country had excess LNG supplies in the system. Consequently, storage and consumption became a challenge. To manage this, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) signed an agreement with a Qatari firm. The deal allowed the diversion of 24 LNG cargoes in 2026. This step helped reduce the burden of excess supply.
Local Production Steps In
At the same time, domestic exploration companies had to cut gas output. They adjusted production to match the lower demand. However, the situation has now changed completely. Demand has increased again, creating pressure on supply. Therefore, local companies have resumed normal production levels. This shift has helped stabilize the system.
LNG Gap and Future Concerns
Currently, LNG shipments from Qatar remain suspended. As a result, local gas producers are filling the gap. This move has ensured steady supply in the short term. An official confirmed that companies are no longer facing curtailment. Instead, they are actively meeting national demand. However, long term sustainability remains a concern. In addition, rising energy needs could strain resources again. Therefore, the government is carefully reviewing its options. A balanced approach will be key to avoiding future shortages.
