Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced its SSGC winter gas schedule, setting three daily supply windows for domestic consumers as Pakistan prepares for increased gas demand during the colder months. Under the new arrangement, households will receive gas during designated cooking hours to help manage available supplies and prioritise essential domestic needs.
According to the company’s announcement, gas will be available to domestic consumers during three periods each day: 6:30am to 9am, 12pm to 2:30pm and 6pm to 9pm.
SSGC said the decision was taken in line with federal government instructions, with the aim of ensuring that households have access to gas during important meal preparation hours. The utility added that domestic consumers would remain a priority throughout the winter season.
SSGC Winter Gas Timings for Households
The announced SSGC winter gas schedule divides daily supply into morning, afternoon and evening periods. Consumers are expected to plan their cooking activities around these timings, as gas availability outside the designated windows may be limited.
The three daily supply periods are:
- Morning: 6:30am to 9am
- Afternoon: 12pm to 2:30pm
- Evening: 6pm to 9pm
These time slots cover the usual breakfast, lunch and dinner preparation periods. SSGC said the arrangement was designed to provide domestic consumers with gas when household demand is generally highest.
The company also emphasised that its winter measures were being implemented under government directives. The announcement reflects efforts to distribute limited gas supplies while maintaining access for residential consumers.
SNGPL Introduces Similar Restrictions in Northern Areas
Meanwhile, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has introduced a similar gas load management plan for domestic consumers in Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to a report published by The News, the restrictions came into effect on Wednesday as declining liquefied natural gas (LNG) availability and rising winter consumption placed additional pressure on the country’s gas supply network.
Under the SNGPL arrangement, households will receive gas during the same three daily periods announced by SSGC: 6:30am to 9am, 12pm to 2:30pm and 6pm to 9pm.
Islamabad is also included in the restrictions. The government is prioritising household consumption as authorities attempt to manage available supplies during the winter months.
The similar schedules introduced by both utilities indicate that gas supply challenges are affecting domestic consumers across different parts of the country.
Gas Supplies Reduced to Industrial Sectors
The pressure on Pakistan’s gas system is not limited to households. Several commercial and industrial sectors are also facing adjustments as authorities attempt to balance demand with available resources.
SNGPL has reduced gas supplies to the compressed natural gas (CNG) sector from 50 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to 35 mmcfd. The company is also considering suspending supplies to the sector altogether in the coming days.
The cement industry has already shifted to coal, while industrial consumers connected to the distribution network are experiencing reduced gas availability.
Industries directly connected to the transmission network, including export-oriented and non-export businesses, are currently receiving approximately 200 mmcfd. However, further reductions remain possible depending on the overall supply situation.
Other major sectors are also receiving limited quantities. The power sector is being supplied around 140 mmcfd, while the fertiliser industry is receiving approximately 53 mmcfd.
These figures highlight the challenge of distributing available gas among domestic consumers, industries, power generation and other essential sectors.
Why Gas Supply Is Being Restricted
Winter typically brings a significant increase in household gas consumption as people use more energy for cooking and heating. At the same time, limited LNG availability can make it difficult for utilities to meet the rising demand.
The government has therefore prioritised domestic consumers during designated cooking hours, while other sectors are facing supply reductions.
The SSGC winter gas schedule is part of this broader effort to manage demand and ensure that households receive gas during key periods of the day.
What Consumers Should Expect
Domestic consumers should plan their daily cooking around the announced supply windows and remain prepared for possible changes if the supply situation worsens.
The SSGC winter gas schedule provides three specific periods for household use, while consumers in Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are subject to similar arrangements under SNGPL.
With winter demand increasing and LNG availability remaining a challenge, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on how well available supplies are managed.
For households, the immediate priority will be adjusting daily routines to the designated timings. For businesses and industries, further supply reductions could create additional operational challenges if the country’s gas shortage continues.
