CM Sindh writes to PM over 'reduced' natural gas supply to K-Electric

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to draw his attention over issue of sudden reduced natural gas supply to K-Electric by Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) which has resulted in increased load-shedding in Karachi.

In the D/O letter, the CM, quoting KE, said that Karachi’s power supplier is receiving only 90 MMCFD gas which is insufficient to optimally run gas based power plants that require at least 190 MMCFD.

“The result is shortfall of further 500 MW in addition to existing shortage of 400 MW. This unfortunate situation is happening when Karachi is in the grip of unusually severe heat wave and KE consequently has resorted to more than 10 hours of load shedding across the city.” reads the letter written by CM.

The chief minister  added that KE claims that SSGC is reluctant to sign the GSA in the light of Economic Co-ordination Committee decision i.e. allocation of 276 MMCFD for KE power plants whereas KE is regularly paying the current bills of SSGC.

Murad Shah said that the increased load-shedding in Karachi was very alarming especially due to unusually high temperature of over 40 degree Celsius.

“SSGCL‘s intransigent approach has severely affected residential, commercial and industrial consumers, including Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB). This may also have serious implications on law and order situation in the city,” the chief minister warned.

In his letter he had requested the prime minister direct SSGCL to act in accordance with ECC decision and take holistic view of the situation rather than reducing gas supply to the biggest power utility company.

“It (increased load-shedding) directly affects people of Karachi, economy of Sindh and Pakistan,” CM adds.

The chief minister urged the prime minister to direct SSGCL to ensure uninterrupted supply of 276 MMCFD natural gas to KE so that people of Karachi may be provided relief from unannounced power outages, physical sufferings and mental agony during upcoming summers.

Murad Ali Shah has also suggested the prime minister to constitute a committee comprising representatives from federal and provincial governments, SSGCL and KE to resolve the payment claims of both the companies.