Gas Diversion For Electricity Production Vexed Industrialists
An official said the sudden announcement of gas suspension without any prior notice is sheer high-handedness with food-related businesses
A recent article in Dawn has highlighted an important concern before Eid-ul-Azha that suspension and diversion of gas supply from general industry to electricity plants has raised eyebrows.
The decision to divert the supply was taken by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to meet the increasing electricity demand.
Thus, the threatened manufacturing sector was forced to shut mills and send the workforce on leaves.
Sheikhupura Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Adil Mehmood quoted in the article that the sudden announcement of gas suspension without any prior notice is sheer high-handedness with the industry, especially those engaged in food-related businesses.
He added that if SNGPL had informed them in advance, they would have procured oil for electricity generation before Eid holidays.
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The news report mentioned that SNGPL had also disconnected supply in Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Raiwind, and other parts of Punjab.
President Adil also contacted Petroleum Division Secretary Dr Arshad Mehmood and apprised him about grievances of industrialists.
“We have also written letters to the prime minister and others concerned about gas supply suspension to the industry for 72 hours,” he said.
The president has already alarmed the concerned authorities that the shortage of furnace oil in the market is going to trouble the companies engaged in milk processing.
Explaining to Dawn, Adil said the industry continues to be in a state of distress as the gas is usually provided in limited quantity for weeks and now they weren’t given any prior notice to arrange fuel for generators.
The petroleum division sources commented they were left with no option but to take this step for ensuring electricity supply to domestic consumers and export, fertilizer, and cement sectors, says the article.
“There are some issues related to power generation due to which the shortfall is widening fast. And on the other hand, the demand is increasing fast due to severe hot weather”, told an official to Dawn.
The official held the decision-makers responsible for placing late orders for procurement of oil that led to the crisis.
