ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered a comprehensive plan to manage gas supplies during the winter, directing authorities to take pre-emptive measures to keep supplies uninterrupted and prioritise domestic consumers for locally produced gas.
Chairing a meeting on winter gas load management, the prime minister also ordered an extensive public awareness campaign to inform consumers about the gas load-management strategy and encourage the use of alternative energy sources at the household level.
Given the prevailing regional situation, he directed the relevant authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure the uninterrupted import of gas.
The meeting was briefed on the measures being taken in advance to manage gas supplies during the winter months.
Officials said domestic consumers would be given priority in the allocation of locally produced gas.
According to the briefing, imported liquefied natural gas (RLNG) would be prioritised for power generation and industrial requirements, while local gas would primarily be directed towards meeting household demand.
The authorities also briefed the prime minister on plans to launch a public awareness campaign aimed at encouraging households to adopt alternative energy sources in place of locally supplied gas, particularly for activities that can be shifted to other forms of energy.
The meeting was further informed that measures were being taken to ensure uninterrupted transmission of gas from reserves located in the country’s northern areas.
The prime minister stressed the need for advance planning so that gas supply arrangements could be managed effectively during the winter season and disruptions to consumers could be minimised.
Officials also presented a proposal to introduce bank financing facilities for electrical appliances used for water and space heating.
The proposed financing scheme is intended to facilitate a greater shift towards electricity-based heating solutions at the household level and potentially reduce pressure on gas supplies during periods of peak winter demand.
The meeting also considered measures to improve public awareness about the government’s gas load-management strategy, with the prime minister directing the authorities to ensure that consumers are adequately informed about the arrangements and any changes affecting gas use.
The directives come as the government prepares its winter energy strategy, with the authorities seeking to balance domestic gas requirements with the needs of the power generation and industrial sectors.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar, State for Finance and Railways Bilal Kayani, and senior officials concerned.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026