The gas shortage in Lahore has worsened, with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) reportedly failing to provide adequate gas pressure to consumers even during designated cooking hours.
The shortage has severely disrupted daily routines, particularly meal preparation, leaving residents struggling to cook food.
Although the federal government has announced a gas supply schedule with pressure during morning, afternoon, and evening hours, consumers say SNGPL has not been implementing it effectively. Residents complain that gas pressure is almost non-existent during breakfast time, while supply during the afternoon and evening remains inadequate.
Consumers also say the persistent low pressure and frequent gas outages have disrupted household activities and forced many families to rely on alternative fuels, increasing their daily expenses.
According to sources, the situation has been aggravated by disruptions in LNG imports, leading to growing complaints of low gas pressure across several areas and adding to the difficulties faced by residents.
Will gas prices increase from July 1?
Sui gas companies have approached OGRA to seek a major increase in gas prices starting from July 1.
According to media reports, a request has been made to raise the average gas price to Rs5,306 per MMBTU. The companies have reported a total shortfall of Rs1,650 billion, covering losses from both the current and previous fiscal years.
Sui Southern Gas Company has sought Rs956 billion in revenue, including Rs411 billion for the upcoming fiscal year and Rs545 billion to cover previous shortfalls, bringing its total revenue requirement to Rs1,279 billion. The company has also requested Rs42 billion for LNG service costs and proposed increasing the average gas price to Rs5,306 per MMBTU.
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited has also submitted a request to OGRA for a gas price hike. It has estimated a revenue shortfall of Rs8.73 billion for the next fiscal year and Rs585 billion in previous shortfalls. The company has further requested Rs67.67 billion for LNG service costs, along with a proposed charge of Rs376.33 per MMBTU for LNG services.
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