LAHORE, Jan 4: The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) on Wednesday partially shut down supply to general industry as domestic demand rose due to persistent cold wave. According to company officials, demand has gone beyond 2,000mmcf against a supply of 1,800mmcf. The company had to stop supply to cement factories, then captive power producers and lately to some general industry.

Shutting down of supply to cement factories provide a relief of 30mmcf and the captive power producers another 140mmcf. It was still left with a deficit of 30mmcf, which has now been squeezed from general industry, they said.

About dropping pressure, they said the consumers falling on the tale end of the system experience such problem. The city has two entry points: Shahdara and Thokar Niaz Beg. The areas away from these points have been facing the problem, but only during the peak hours.

With weather improving, as the meteorological officials forecast, the company would be in a position to restore supply to general industry and even captive power producers. The supply to cement industry would, however, remain shut down for next two months.