Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has started unannounced gas load shedding even during designated cooking hours, raising concerns about a worsening gas crisis in Lahore.
There have been fears of a gas shortage in the city as the period of load shedding has been extended because of the deficit in the supply system. The domestic consumers have complained about persistent disruptions despite the provision of an official timetable of gas supply during the cooking hours.
As per the announced schedule by the company, the gas supply was to be provided three times a day between 5:30 am and 9:00 am, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 9: 00 pm. Locals report that gas is unavailable even during scheduled hours, making it difficult for them to cook food.
According to the authorities, the rising deficit of the SNGPL system has caused low gas pressure, and the current regional tensions have also served as an additional cause of supply constraints experienced by the company.
The situation has caused frustration among household consumers, who are struggling to manage daily cooking needs amid inconsistent gas availability.
No price change in January
Earlier, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that the government will keep gas prices unchanged from January 1, 2026, following directives from the Prime Minister.
Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said during a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum that no change is being made in the price of gas on the instructions of the Prime Minister.
He announced that the price of gas is not being increased from January 2026 on the orders of the Prime Minister.
He added further that the circular debt of gas is not increasing anymore. Adding that the circular debt of gas is 3 thousand billion, which includes LPS.
Also read: Gas loadshedding schedule announced for winter, check new timings
