PM orders winter gas load plan amid LNG shortages

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked authorities to draw up a detailed gas load management plan and secure uninterrupted LNG cargo imports for the December to February winter period, Dawn reported. The directive came during a meeting chaired by the premier, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. Officials were also told to start a public awareness campaign once the plan is in place.

Participants were told that domestic consumers will get priority for locally produced gas, while RLNG will go first to power generation and industries. Authorities are struggling to finalise the LNG import plan for the three winter months, as supply is strained by the US-Iran conflict. Fighting has flared again across the Middle East, disrupting the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab routes and pushing fuel prices higher.

Gas companies and the Petroleum Division sought at least 22 cargoes, but the energy task force led by Lt-Gen Zafar Iqbal has pledged 10-12 cargoes of roughly 100 million cubic feet apiece, pursued on a best-effort footing through diplomatic and logistical means. Approval must come from the premier, while the Ministry of Finance and State Bank of Pakistan must agree, since each spot cargo costs about $100m. Separately, the premier ordered third-party audits of all ongoing NHA projects and a public-private partnership strategy for highways, motorways and expressways.