The caretaker government of Pakistan has announced that 8-hour gas Load shedding during winters only for 8 hours a day, from December 2023 to January 2024. This is due to a shortage of gas in the country.
The government has ordered two LNG cargoes for December 2023 and plans to order two more for January 2024 to address the shortage as much as possible.
Why is there a gas shortage in Pakistan?
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the gas shortage in Pakistan, including:
- Declining domestic production: Pakistan’s domestic gas production has been declining for a number of years. This is due to a number of factors, including reservoir depletion and lack of investment in exploration and production.
- Increasing demand: The demand for gas in Pakistan has been increasing steadily due to population growth and economic development.
- Reliance on imported LNG: Pakistan relies heavily on imported LNG to meet its gas needs. However, the global LNG market is very competitive, and prices have been high in recent months.
How will the 8-hour gas load shedding affect consumers?
The 8-hour gas load shedding will affect all consumers in Pakistan, both domestic and commercial. Domestic consumers will likely experience gas outages during the morning, afternoon, and evening. Commercial consumers may have to reduce their gas consumption or switch to alternative fuels.
What can consumers do to prepare for the 8-hour gas load shedding?
Consumers can prepare for the 8-hour gas load shedding by:
- Conserving gas: Consumers can conserve gas by using energy-efficient appliances and making changes to their lifestyle, such as taking shorter showers and turning off lights when they leave a room.
- Switching to alternative fuels: Consumers may want to consider switching to alternative fuels, such as LPG or electricity, for some of their needs.
- Investing in backup power: Consumers may want to invest in backup power, such as a generator or solar panels, to ensure that they have electricity even during gas outages.
The 8-hour gas load shedding is a significant challenge for Pakistan. However, the government is taking steps to address the shortage, and consumers can also take steps to prepare.