Gas supply being restored to normal levels in Balochistan.

Natural gas demand has a wide seasonal impact between the summer and winter months. Demand for gas increases four times more in winters than in summers in areas such as Balochistan that experience bitterly cold weather. This mainly arises due to the space heating and extra geyser load that sets in during the winter months.

The last few days have seen a sudden drop in temperatures in Quetta and adjoining areas from 22 degree centigrade to 12 degree centigrade. Consequently, the usage of gas heaters and unauthorized use of compressors by the customers has increased extraordinarily. This has resulted in the reduction of gas in supply lines causing low pressure problems in isolated pockets and for the tail-end customers.

To overcome the situation and to substantially lessen the customers' woes, gas pressures were enhanced immediately and affected lines were filled in a period of 2 days. Gas supply consequently increased from 75 mmcfd to 142 mmcfd and the supply situation in Quetta is now back to normal.

SSGC is totally aware of the...