Gas shortfall in winter likely to be worst: SNGPL

ISLAMABAD - SNGPL Managing Director Arif Hameed on Thursday cautioned that gas shortfall was expected to intensify in the upcoming winter that might be worse than of the previous year’s gas situation in the country in the same season.

While speaking to a reception hosted in his honour by All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA), he said, “We expect that shortfall will be more than the previous year therefore government is taking all necessary steps to facilitate masses, CNG sector and industry”.
He said that domestic consumers would be preferred overall, however after fulfilling gas supply agreements, the remaining gas will be distributed among all sectors on equal basis. The MD SNGPL stressed that all the decisions would be taken on merit and according to the law. He clarified that gas produced in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province would be utilised in the same area.
He noted that scarcity of natural gas is mother of all the problems and that government has been trying to overcome the shortfall. “We are seriously reviewing complaints and suggestions of CNG operators to take decision on merit,” he assured.
Speaking on the occasion, Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA said that complaints against SNGPL as well as theft and wastage have been reduced by the incumbent administration of the gas utility.
He said that CNG operators have been pinning high hopes on the gas companies and the government that people don’t face problems during the biting winter. Central Chairman APCNGA Abid Hayat drew attention of the MD SNGPL towards some technical problems, overbilling and harassment.
He forwarded proposals aimed at smooth flow of the things some of which were termed practical by the gas company officials. Large number of members and regional officials of the APCNGA were present on the occasion.