PESHAWAR: A 24-inch primary gas pipeline in Hassan Khel, Peshawar ignited after an explosion causing a gas outage in districts such, as Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan and Swat.
According to the information given to the media by Waqas Shinwari, the General Manager of Sui Northern Gas, the blast happened on the pipeline that connects Karak with Nowshera. As a result, work crews were sent out to the location without delay to both locate and close the gas leak as well as evaluate the damage.
Dr. Mian Saeed, CCPO Peshawar called on residents to keep clear of the fire. Confirmed that Sui Gas officials were directed to stop gas supply in the impacted zone. Police sources revealed that the potential for an attack is also, under investigation.
Local reports indicate that the crisis affecting the pipeline supplying the southern regions has caused obstacles, in gas delivery leading to the temporary shutdown of CNG stations.
Sui Northern Gas authorities announced that gas will be provided to consumers three times a day, while repair work continues on an emergency basis.
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Gas prices to soar after OGRA approves price hike
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has sanctioned a rise in gas prices for the fiscal year averaging an increase of 7.14%. This move follows statements from OGRA suggesting a possible 8% decrease in gas prices.
As per OGRA the gas price for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) is fixed at 1852.80 Pakistani Rupees per MMBTU, whereas for Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGCL) it is set at 1777.02 Pakistani Rupees, per MMBTU.
Previously, OGRA had proposed a decrease in gas prices. The latest update reveals that rather than a decrease the regulator has sanctioned a price rise, for this fiscal period. This increase is expected to affect both homes and businesses, adding to the escalating cost of living.
The price adjustment follows a series of challenges faced by the gas distribution companies, including increasing international fuel costs and the ongoing financial pressures on Pakistan’s energy sector. OGRA’s decision is expected to provoke a strong reaction from consumers, especially as inflation continues to affect essential goods and services.
