The national gas system in Pakistan continues to be under threat. And therefore, authorities have reduced gas extraction from local wells by over fifty percent to ensure its safety.
Gas Extraction is Reduced Significantly PakistanÂ
In a very critical measure, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has taken measures to ensure that the gas transmission system does not exceed the limit of four hundred MMCFD as it was initially eight hundred MMCFD gas extraction in Pakistan. Instead, This reduction is necessary to keep the maximum safe line pack pressure, which has increased to 5.230 bcf.
Transmission Pipeline System Remains Under Threat PakistanÂ
Transmission pipelines remain at risk despite such actions. The risk involved in a pipeline burst remains high, and in the event that it occurs, there will be a gas outage across the country, cutting the gas supply across the nation.
A senior official from the Ministry of Energy, who spoke to The News, said it was indeed a critical situation and posed a risk of further casualties. One SNGPL has advised the Petroleum Division that it has reduced gas out of local wells by over seventy percent as a protective measure due to its high risks. Unfortunately, such measures have not yet minimized the line pack pressure, which has continued to reduce the level of safety in the pipeline network.
Problems raised by Exploration and Production Companies
The decreased gas output has raised issues for the explorers and producers. They have protested to the Government, stating that the lessened gas coming from the wells leads to poor gas pressure inside the wells. It takes great resources, hundreds of millions, to restore the lost pressure.
Effect on the Power Sector and Pressure in Systemstem
According to SNGPL, the power sector consumes less regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) than expected, currently at 164 MMCF in volume. This low consumption has resulted in high system pack pressure throughout the whole transmission network.
The situation underlines the persistent issues regarding Pakistan’s existing gas transmission system. And the complexities attached to its management and development. Which must be addressed to avert any gas shutdowns in the country.
