ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to ensure uninterrupted gas imports and prepare a comprehensive winter load management strategy as the government moves to secure supplies ahead of peak seasonal demand.
Chairing a high-level meeting on winter gas management, the prime minister ordered proactive measures to address possible supply pressures and called for a strong public awareness campaign to support the implementation of the winter plan.
Officials told the meeting that domestic consumers would remain the top priority for locally produced gas, while regasified liquefied natural gas, or RLNG, would be prioritised for power generation and industrial use.
The government also plans to promote alternative energy options at the household level to reduce pressure on domestic gas reserves.
The meeting was informed that measures were being taken to maintain uninterrupted supply from natural gas reserves in the country’s northern areas.
Authorities are also considering a proposal to introduce bank financing for electricity-powered appliances used for water and space heating, a move aimed at reducing dependence on gas during the winter months.
Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the relevant departments to finalise preparations in advance and ensure that the load management strategy is communicated clearly to the public.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ali Pervaiz Malik, Adviser to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior officials.