The energy crisis is now more visible in the largest city of Karachi with the introduction of gas rationing by Sui Southern Gas introduced in all major industrial areas and CNG stations from today with the view of energy conservation under the guidelines of Prime Minister Gilani.
In the light of the recent Energy Summit chaired by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in which it was decided to take major conservation steps and implement gas load management in the best national interest, SSGC held meetings with the representatives of different industrial associations before moving on the gas conservation plan.
In this respect, SSGC management held series of meetings with various trade bodies namely S.I.T.E. Association of Industry, Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Landhi Association of Trade and Industry (LATI), North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI), F. B Area Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI), and major CNG Associations of Sindh and Balochistan to discuss measures for implementing the gas load management plan on urgent basis.
It was decided that in Sindh and Balochistan, gas curtailment/closure plan will be implemented as per schedule given below: Industries working on 24/6 basis (i.e. not operating round-the-clock) in the following industrial areas will ensure staggered closure of gas supply on days mentioned below: Industrial Areas Day (s) Timings (24-hour basis) SITE Mondays and Saturdays 8.00 am to 8.00 am (next day) Landhi Tuesdays 8.00 am to 8.00 am (next day) Korangi Wednesdays and Saturdays 8.00 am to 8.00 am (next day) F. B Area Thursdays 8.00 am to 8.00 am (next day) North Karachi Fridays 8.00 am to 8.00 am (next day).
Industries operating on 24/6 basis (or less) will, therefore, resort to one-day additional closure in a week., Industries operating on 24/7 basis (round-the-clock) will voluntarily curtail/reduce gas consumption by 8-10%. B) CNG stations' will observe shutdowns every Friday from 12 noon to 12 noon Saturday (24 hours) in Sindh and Balochistan.