ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive plan for gas load management and take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted gas imports during the winter season, given the regional situation.

The premier issued these instructions while chairing a meeting, said the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in a statement.

“The prime minister directed officials to develop a comprehensive gas load management plan, take necessary measures in advance, launch a public awareness campaign on its implementation, and ensure uninterrupted gas imports in light of the current regional situation,” the PMO said.

The participants were informed that domestic consumers would be given priority for the supply of locally produced gas while RLNG would be prioritised for power generation and industries, it said.

The meeting took place as the authorities struggle to finalise the liquefied natural gas (LNG) import plan for the upcoming three winter months — December to February — amid a challenging supply situation stemming from the US-Iran conflict.

Renewed hostilities in the Middle East have resulted in disruption of major oil and gas supply routes — the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab — and caused fuel prices to rise.

Against this backdrop, gas companies and the Petroleum Division had sought at least 22 import cargoes for the three-month period, but the task force on energy, led by Lt-Gen Zafar Iqbal, has promised no more than 10-12 cargoes of around 100 million cubic feet each on a best-effort basis, using all diplomatic and logistical channels.

The plan will be presented to the prime minister for approval, given the involvement of around $100m per spot cargo and the requirement for consent from the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan.

Work on highways

Later, the premier reviewed affairs of the National Highway Authority (NHA), including ongoing development work on national highways, motorways and expressways.

PM Shehbaz directed that all ongoing NHA projects undergo third-party audit. He also ordered the authorities to formulate a strategy for constructing national highways, motorways and expressways under public-private partnerships.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2026