The federal government on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, finalized a comprehensive gas supply plan to ensure uninterrupted service for millions of Pakistanis during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. In a joint press conference, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Power Minister Awais Leghari assured the nation that both gas and electricity would remain available at “maximum pressure” during critical meal preparation hours. To achieve this, the government has arranged “additional gas volumes” despite the annual 10% decline in national gas reserves, prioritizing domestic consumers over other sectors during the fasting period.
Regional Supply Schedules: SNGPL and SSGC
The two major gas utilities, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), have outlined specific windows for their respective regions to manage the sharp spike in demand.
- Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (SNGPL): Managing Director Amir Tufail confirmed that gas will be supplied uninterrupted from 3:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily throughout Punjab and KP. This 19.5-hour continuous window aims to provide maximum ease for both Sehri and Iftar without midday breaks.
- Sindh and Balochistan (SSGC): For Karachi, Quetta, and other southern regions, the supply will be focused on peak hours. Gas will be available from 3:00 AM to 9:00 AM for Sehri and from 3:30 PM to 10:00 PM for Iftar.
- Pressure Profiling: To maintain system integrity, SSGC will suspend or reduce pressure during off-peak hours, specifically from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM and 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
Monitoring and “Situation Rooms”
To ensure the implementation of this schedule, “Situation Rooms” have been established at the headquarters of both SNGPL and SSGC. These centers will monitor gas pressure in real-time, with a specific focus on “tail-end” areas where consumers often face low pressure during peak hours. Regional offices have also been activated to respond to technical faults immediately. Minister Leghari added that electricity loadshedding would also be suspended during Sehri and Iftar nationwide, even in high-loss areas, to ensure a comfortable environment for worshippers.
Safety Warning and Illegal Compressors
The authorities have issued a stern warning against the use of illegal gas suction pumps and compressors. These devices are not only dangerous but also deprive neighboring households of their fair share of gas. SSGC and SNGPL have authorized special raiding teams to disconnect the supplies of any violators and register FIRs. Consumers are encouraged to report any supply disruptions or the use of compressors by their neighbors via the 1199 helpline or the companies’ respective mobile applications.
