After nearly two months of stability, the gas transmission network in Pakistan has once again entered a critical state, sparking concerns about potential system failures that could disrupt industries and power generation nationwide. According to a recent report by The News, the pressure in the main trunk line has breached the five billion cubic feet (BCF) danger threshold, putting the entire energy supply system under severe stress.
Rising Pressure in the National Gas Network
Official data from October 29, 2025, reveals that the national gas line pack reached 5.177 BCF — exceeding the safe operating limit of 5 BCF. The gas transmission network in Pakistan is currently struggling to maintain balance as the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), responsible for transporting re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG), attributes this dangerous buildup to a sudden drop in gas offtake from the power sector.
Power plants are currently consuming only 293 million cubic feet (MMcf) of imported gas, even though Pakistan has long-term, sovereign-backed LNG supply contracts with QatarEnergy and Italy’s ENI. These contracts were originally established to ensure a consistent energy supply to four major RLNG-based power plants in Punjab.
LNG Diversions Continue Despite High Pressure
Interestingly, despite the growing system pressure, one LNG cargo per month from ENI has continued to be diverted to the international market since February 2025. This trend is expected to persist until the end of the year due to subdued domestic gas demand. The decision to divert LNG shipments highlights a paradox within the gas transmission network in Pakistan — while supply levels remain high, domestic consumption from power plants and industries has not kept pace.
Authorities Cut Local Gas Production
In response to the excessive line pressure, the government has reduced local gas production by nearly 300 MMcf. However, this move has caused frustration among exploration and production (E&P) companies. Industry experts have cautioned that shutting down gas wells for extended periods can permanently damage reservoirs. In several instances, attempts to restart production after forced shutdowns have cost more than $1 million per well, with limited success in restoring output.
Moreover, reduced local production impacts other critical sectors of the energy chain. Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) has warned authorities that production cuts in domestic gas fields lead to a decline in crude oil output, which directly affects refinery operations reliant on local feedstock.
Sabotage and Maintenance Add to the Crisis
The gas transmission network in Pakistan is also facing operational disruptions caused by both sabotage and maintenance shutdowns. On October 18, gas supply from the Bettani field was suspended after an attack ruptured an eight-inch transmission pipeline connecting Bettani to Kakakhel. Meanwhile, supply from the Dakhni plant has been halted since October 15 due to a 21-day annual maintenance turnaround.
These combined factors have reduced supply flexibility at a time when system pressure management is critical. The inability to efficiently distribute or consume available gas increases the risk of a rupture in the main trunk line, which could have devastating consequences for the national economy.
Power Sector’s Economic Constraints
A senior Power Division official clarified that RLNG-based power plants are operated under the economic merit order (EMO) system, which prioritizes the cheapest sources of electricity generation. This means that RLNG plants only run when they fall within the EMO range; otherwise, they remain idle to prevent additional costs from being passed on to consumers.
Running these plants continuously, the official noted, would raise the overall electricity tariff and fuel cost adjustments (FCA), increasing the financial burden on both the government and end users. As a result, the power sector’s limited use of RLNG has indirectly intensified the pressure problem within the gas transmission network in Pakistan.
Economic and Industrial Risks
Energy experts warn that continued high pressure in the gas transmission network in Pakistan could have severe implications for the country’s economy. Any rupture or failure in the main trunk line could disrupt national fuel supplies, halting industrial operations, power generation, and even domestic gas distribution.
Industries that rely heavily on natural gas, such as fertilizer production, textiles, and cement, would be among the hardest hit. Prolonged disruptions could also lead to widespread job losses, reduced exports, and increased reliance on costly imported fuels.
The Way Forward
To prevent a full-scale crisis, experts recommend immediate and coordinated action between the power, petroleum, and energy ministries. Authorities must balance supply with actual demand, improve coordination between RLNG importers and power producers, and invest in modern infrastructure to manage system pressure more efficiently.
Additionally, Pakistan needs to explore energy diversification, including renewable sources, to reduce dependency on imported LNG. Enhanced pipeline monitoring and quick-response mechanisms should also be implemented to prevent sabotage-related damage and operational losses.
The current situation in the gas transmission network in Pakistan underscores the fragility of the country’s energy infrastructure. While temporary measures like production cuts and LNG diversions may offer short-term relief, a sustainable solution requires structural reforms and better demand management.
If not addressed promptly, rising system pressure could trigger a nationwide supply disruption, affecting industries, households, and the broader economy. Strengthening coordination, investing in modern infrastructure, and diversifying the energy mix remain essential to ensuring the long-term stability of Pakistan’s gas supply system.
