KARACHI: Gas supply was halted by the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) to all captive power plants (CPPs) for general non-export industries across Sindh and Balochistan.
It was done to meet the increasing demand of domestic consumers in winters on a priority basis.
Supply discontinuation will come into immediate effect and it will remain suspended till further orders.
Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar said a gas shortfall is being witnessed due to the use of heaters and geysers in the winter season.
According to the SSGC spokesperson, the decision to cut off the gas supply to Captive Power Plants was implemented under the Gas Sales Agreement. In the agreement, the parties agreed that SSGC would not be bound to supply gas from December to February.
According to the agreement, captive power plants will have to make alternative arrangements for gas, however, gas will be supplied to zero rated export industry. In order to save human lives, additional gas will be provided to Balochistan as per government orders.
It should be noted that due to the extremely low temperature in Balochistan, people can keep their body warm by using gas which is essential for the survival of human life. A spokesman for the SSGC said that we expect cooperation from non-export industries.
