PM Orders Winter Gas Load Plan Amid LNG Supply Pressure

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to prepare a comprehensive winter gas load management plan as Pakistan faces pressure over liquefied natural gas imports during the colder months. The instructions were issued during a meeting focused on supply arrangements, domestic priorities and the country’s energy needs for the upcoming winter season.

The meeting reviewed the expected gas demand for December, January and February, a period when household consumption normally rises sharply. Officials were told to take advance measures so that supply planning, public communication and import arrangements are completed before the peak winter load begins.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, domestic consumers will be prioritised for locally produced gas, while imported gas will be directed mainly towards power generation and industrial use. The approach is aimed at balancing household demand with the needs of the electricity system and the productive sectors of the economy.

The direction comes as authorities work to finalise an LNG import plan under difficult regional conditions. Disruption risks linked to the Middle East, including pressure around major shipping routes, have complicated supply planning and raised concerns over availability and cost.

Gas companies and the Petroleum Division had sought at least 22 LNG cargoes for the three winter months. However, the energy task force has indicated that only 10 to 12 cargoes may be arranged on a best-effort basis through diplomatic and logistical channels.

The financial burden is also significant because each spot cargo may require around $100 million, making approvals from financial authorities and the central bank important before the plan is finalised. The proposed import strategy will be presented to the prime minister for approval once the relevant ministries complete their assessment.

The government also plans to run a public awareness campaign around gas load management. Such communication will be important because winter shortages often affect homes, small businesses, industries and power producers at the same time, creating pressure on both consumers and regulators.

The meeting later reviewed National Highway Authority affairs, including development work on highways, motorways and expressways. The prime minister directed that ongoing projects should undergo third-party audits and asked officials to prepare a strategy for building future road infrastructure through public-private partnerships.

The immediate next step is the finalisation of the winter supply plan, including cargo availability, financing approvals and distribution priorities. The outcome will directly affect household gas pressure, electricity generation and industrial operations during Pakistan’s peak winter demand period.