Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced that CNG stations will remain closed during the entire winter season across the Sindh province.
According to SSGC officials, a plan has been prepared to shut down all CNG stations beginning from 15th of October 2020. As per information, CNG stations may reopen after a 4-monhth hiatus from 15th February 2021 or even later, depending upon the availability of gas in the system. SSGC will only allow operating those CNG stations which are running on LNG.
Related: CNG Association Wants Filling Stations to Open 24/7
SSGC says due to 150-200 mmcfd gas shortage, tougher measures have been planned for the coming winter which includes offering LNG and closure of local gas to some sectors. They also hinted gas shortages for industries.
CNG stations across the Sindh province are already observing a 2-days shutdown per week since 27th September. As per the announcement made by SSGC, the duration of CNG closure will be up to 48 hours across Sindh.
It is pertinent to mention that Sindh, which is self-sufficient in gas with up to 70% of country’s gas production share, will face acute gas shortages this winter. CNG stations in the province will now be dependent on imported LNG. According to media reports, approximately 108 out of 700 pumps have been shifted to LNG.
Related: Government Bans Use of CNG/LPG in Public Transport & School Vans
Some station owners believe that Sindh has failed to fight for right share in total gas production in the country. Only Sindh produces around 70% of the total 3.8 bcf gas but share for Sindh and Balochistan both is barely around 1 bcf, which is hardly around 30% of the total gas production in the country.
This is going to be one of the lengthiest cutoff periods for CNG in the province. Bear in mind CNG is still widely used in passenger cars as well as commercial vehicles and public transport. How this shortage is going to impact those who are heavily dependent on CNG, we will have to wait to find out. Want to share your thoughts on this, let us know with your comments.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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