Expert identifies reasons behind gas shortage in Pakistan

Former managing director of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) Dr Faizullah Abbasi has warned that injecting more gas in the country’s leaking distribution system is similar to “throwing good money after bad money”.

In an analytical piece for The News, Dr Abbasi highlighted the “true story” behind natural gas shortfall in the country.

The vice chancellor of Dawood University of Engineering and Technology said that such shortages are witnessed more in winters then the summer. He blamed an increase in demand because of space heating and geyser loads which is not taken into account properly.

Dr Abbasi has claimed that “distribution network in towns and cities are profusely leaking”, citing the annual 10 per cent growth in gas losses for “unaccounted gas”.

Also read: As the cold intensifies, so does the gas crisis

The academic believes that the two utility companies- SSGC and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) – blame theft for the gas loss. He highlighted that despite spending a huge amount on curbing gas theft, the issue still remains.

Dr Abbasi blamed the flawed strategy of increasing gas pressure in winters behind high gas losses.

“Injecting more natural Gas in the system operating at high pressure is like pouring water in a profusely leaking bucket,” wrote the former SSGC MD.

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The vice chancellor also warned that the decision of lowering gas pressures at night and restoration in early hours may lead to “fatal accidents” because of suffocation. He claimed that the gas supplying companies reduce the gas pressure at night to save gas.

Dr Abbasi suggested two ways to address the issue, which were “rehabilitation of the leaking distribution networks”, and "provision of LPG instead of natural gas" to domestic and commercial users.

The ongoing gas crisis in the country has made life difficult for Pakistanis who are already finding it difficult to brave cold temperatures during the winter season.

Commercial and residential users of gas have been severely affected by the shortage as it is increasingly becoming difficult for them to cook food.