The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to not subject gas consumers to any loadshedding during winter this year, DawnNewsTV reported.

The decision to this effect was taken after the secretary for the Petroleum Division presented the winter gas load management plan during a meeting of the committee.

It was also decided that 150-200 mmcfd of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) will be injected into the system to overcome the gas shortage.

"ECC allowed SNGPL [Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited] to utilise RLNG in the system for consumption by domestic and commercial consumers, to manage the load," said a statement issued after the meeting.

Gas loadshedding, especially in Punjab and Balochistan, accompanies winter every year due to a shortage in the system. Every year authorities attempt to overcome the shortfall, yet the issue has persisted.

The committee also decided that a recent hike in gas prices will not be applicable on tandoors, allowing their owners to continue paying their gas bills on previously applicable rates. The decision was taken in view of concerns that the increase in gas prices had led to a rise in the prices of tandoori naan and roti.

Participants of the meeting — which was chaired by Finance Minister Asad Umar — also decided to allow the Power Division to raise Rs38 billion through Islamic financing.