Gas (CNG) Load Shedding in Pakistan:

Till about a few years ago, the word load shedding was only used in terms of electricity shortfall. However now “gas” load shedding has become just as common if not more, especially in winters. As winter approached, gas shortage is on its peak. Either its domestic consumers, Industry, CNG sector or any other kind of consumers. The past few years have seen an exponential rise in the non availability of gas across the country resulting in extreme inconvenience for everyone. Even making a simple chapatti has become next to impossible and people have been forced to buy gas cylinders. Some have even resorted to illegal methods like installing motors on their stoves or heaters that suck all the gas from neighbouring pipelines resulting in a very unbalanced distribution, with some people left completely without any gas!

One of the major reasons for gas load shedding in Pakistan is the exponential increase in number of CNG stations all over the country, in the past decade. During General Musharraf’s tenure as President of Pakistan, he implemented certain policies which resulted in gas shortages. He promoted the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative to petrol. The price of CNG was less than half the price of petrol, hence the majority of people switched over to it. The government also encouraged setting up CNG stations to ensure there were enough in every region to meet the demands. As a result, many people took this opportunity to set up CNG stations, and in some neighborhoods, one could be found after every few meters. Due to this, the residents of the area did not receive enough natural gas during high peak seasons.

Another policy implemented by the government which also resulted in gas load shedding was to authorize banks to approve auto loans to anyone who qualified for it.

This made auto financing easier and consequently resulted in many people getting approved for car loans and a higher number of cars on the streets. The new cars came fitted with CNG cylinders, increasing the number of CNG users as well as the demand.

The step government should taken to end gas load shedding is halting the supply of gas to industries and closing down CNG stations during the winter months. The basic objective is to ensure that the domestic consumer receives a constant supply of gas. However recent protests taking place from Karachi to Faisalabad indicate that this has not really worked as it is only a temporary solution and does not solve the overall issue of gas shortage. In addition, shutting down industries and CNG stations leave many people unemployed who end up protesting on the streets against the government.

With the energy and power crisis in the country deteriorating rapidly, gas load shedding shows no sign of abating. Until a solid solution can be found and implemented, consumers are advised to look for alternative sources for e.g. using hybrid heaters(requiring very little gas) or electric blowers, electric geysers and gas cylinders .

Word of Caution: People using coal and wood to provide heat should ensure proper ventilation as prolonged exposure to coal can lead to unconsciousness and in extreme conditions, even death.