Islamabad (Ehsan Bukhari , Special Reporter):
Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, has taken notice of gas shortages and load-shedding issues across the country, particularly amid complaints from consumers during the winter season. He convened an emergency meeting to review the situation.
During the meeting, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) presented an audit report on compliance with service standards and the resolution of consumer complaints. Officials from Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) briefed the minister on gas supply arrangements for the current winter.
According to sources, the companies claimed that, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, additional gas is being supplied to provide maximum relief to domestic consumers during the winter months. SNGPL reported supplying an additional 95 MMCFD of gas in December 2025 compared to December 2024, while SSGC reported an increase of 32 MMCFD over the same period.
The federal minister expressed dissatisfaction with the reports and strongly reprimanded the officials of both companies, emphasizing the need to maintain adequate gas pressure for domestic consumers this winter.
The meeting highlighted technological measures, including IoT-based monitoring systems and town border systems, installed to automatically trigger alarms in case of pressure drops at the far ends of the gas network. Ali Pervaiz Malik appreciated these initiatives and instructed SSGC to further enhance pressure management and alarm systems, particularly in remote “tail-end” areas, to ensure uninterrupted gas supply.
He emphasized that public service is a top priority, instructing both companies to maintain proper gas pressure and continuous service for domestic consumers. Any failure to comply will result in strict action.
OGRA’s audit report revealed that 98.5% of complaints in SNGPL and 97% in SSGC were resolved according to regulatory standards. The minister directed that remaining complaints be addressed fully and that OGRA verify complaint resolution every three months. He also called for a consumer feedback system to be introduced after every complaint is resolved, promoting transparency and accountability.
Ali Pervaiz Malik reiterated the government’s commitment to providing consumer relief, effective service delivery, the use of modern technology, and strict regulatory compliance in the gas sector.