LAHORE: Gas supply in Punjab has dramatically improved after a 200MMCFD consignment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is being added to the system after re-gasification since Jan 27 every day, enabling the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to restore supplies to some fertilizer and power units and the CNG sector.

The government plans to import 1,200MMCFD LNG every day by June and has so far importing 600 to 625MMCFD.

“We started receiving 200MMCFD from Jan 27 every day, which allowed us to restore supply to the fertilizer, CNG and power sectors,” SNGPL Managing Director Amjad Latif told Dawn on Monday.

He said gas is being supplied to Pak Arab Fertilizers in Multan while Fatima Fertilizers in Sheikhupura will be getting in a couple of days. Similarly, Rousch Power Plant and Liberty Power Plant have also started getting the supply. The gas supply to the CNG sector was also restored on Monday night, he said.

The increase in demand of gas in Punjab, two weeks ago, had forced the SNGPL to divert to the domestic sector a supply of about 275MMCFD, of over 400MMCFD LNG meant for the fertilizer, power and CNG sectors.

With the inclusion of 200MMCFD, there was now no gap between demand and supply, he said, adding that of which 1,200MMCFD was for the domestic and commercial sectors and 800MMCFD for industry (textile, fertilizer and others), power and CNG sectors. He said after sometime, the RLNG would also be provided to Bhikki Power Plant in Sheikehpura.

The petroleum ministry has also informed the SNGPL to start planning for the import of further 1,200MMCFD to cope with the increasing demand, the managing director said.The improved gas supply, however, brings no good news for Lahore areas, where, according to the SNGPL Lahore region general manager, gas supply would remain suspended on Tuesday (today).

“In order to repair a 6” gas line near Gajjumata, gas supply may remain suspended to or low pressure may be observed in areas along Ferozepur Road from Gajjumatta to Youhanabad,” said the general manager in a text message. The areas include Masjid Ibrahim, Green Cap Housing Society, Arif Town, Dullu Khurd, Madina Colony, Glaxo Town, Youhanabad, Hamza Town and Nishtar Town.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2017