SNGPL Announces Winter Gas Timings for Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has announced new winter gas supply timings for domestic consumers in Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Under the revised schedule, households will receive gas during three daily time slots, starting Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

The decision comes as gas demand increases during the winter months. At the same time, limited availability of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) is putting additional pressure on Pakistan’s gas supply system.

The new schedule is intended to prioritise household cooking needs while managing the available gas supply.

For families across the affected regions, the announcement means they will need to plan breakfast, lunch and dinner around the designated supply hours.

SNGPL Winter Gas Timings 2026

According to the announced schedule, domestic consumers will receive gas during the following hours:

The schedule provides a total of eight hours of gas supply each day.

However, actual availability and pressure may vary depending on local network conditions and operational requirements.

Consumers should also remember that the announced timings are not a guarantee of constant pressure throughout every supply period.

Which Areas Will Be Affected?

The new SNGPL winter gas schedule covers domestic consumers in three major areas:

1. Islamabad

Households in Islamabad will receive gas during the three announced daily time slots.

The restrictions are part of the wider winter gas management plan for the SNGPL network.

2. Punjab

Domestic consumers across Punjab will also be affected.

This includes households in major cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Multan and other areas served by SNGPL.

Consumers should check local updates because supply conditions can differ between distribution networks.

3. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The schedule also applies to domestic consumers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

As winter demand increases, households in the province may need to adjust their cooking routines according to the designated supply periods.

The announcement specifically concerns SNGPL’s service areas. It should not be treated as a nationwide schedule for every gas consumer in Pakistan.

Why Has SNGPL Restricted Gas Supply?

Winter usually brings a significant increase in natural gas consumption across Pakistan.

Households use more gas for cooking and heating. As temperatures fall, demand can rise beyond the amount available through domestic production and imported supplies.

This creates pressure on the country’s gas distribution system.

One of the key factors behind the latest restrictions is the availability of imported LNG.

LNG is natural gas that has been cooled into liquid form to make transportation and storage easier. Pakistan imports LNG to supplement its domestic gas supply.

However, when imported cargoes are limited or unavailable, the government and gas companies must manage the available supply more carefully.

The government has therefore prioritised domestic consumers during the main cooking periods.

This approach aims to make gas available when households need it most, although it also means consumers may face interruptions outside the announced hours.

SNGPL Reduces Gas Supply to CNG Stations

The restrictions are not limited to households.

SNGPL has also reduced gas supplies to the compressed natural gas (CNG) sector.

According to the reported figures, daily gas allocation for CNG stations has been reduced from approximately 50 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to 35 mmcfd.

The company is also planning to suspend supplies to the sector in the coming days.

CNG stations may therefore face further restrictions as the winter gas management plan continues.

This could affect motorists and transport operators who depend on CNG for their vehicles.

The government appears to be shifting available gas towards household consumption during the period of higher winter demand.

What About Industrial Gas Consumers?

Industrial consumers are also facing supply adjustments.

The cement industry has already shifted towards coal, according to reports.

Meanwhile, industrial consumers connected to the distribution network are facing reduced gas supplies.

However, industries connected directly to the transmission network are reportedly receiving approximately 200 mmcfd.

The power sector is receiving around 140 mmcfd, while the fertiliser industry is being supplied approximately 53 mmcfd.

These allocations may change depending on the availability of gas and the government’s winter management requirements.

Reported Gas Allocation Figures

These figures describe the reported situation at the time of the announcement. They should not be interpreted as permanent allocations for the entire winter.

How Will the New Schedule Affect Households?

The biggest impact will be on families that depend on piped natural gas for daily cooking.

Under the new schedule, households will have to complete most cooking activities within three supply windows.

For example, families may need to prepare breakfast between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM.

Lunch preparation will need to take place between noon and 2:30 PM. Dinner cooking will generally need to be completed between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

This could be difficult for working families, students and households with different daily routines.

Families may also face challenges if gas pressure is low during the announced periods.

Consumers should therefore avoid assuming that gas will remain available outside these hours.

Practical Steps for Consumers

Households can make a few adjustments to manage the restricted supply more effectively.

Prepare Meals in Advance

Where possible, families can prepare ingredients before the announced supply periods.

This can reduce the time needed for cooking and help households make better use of the available gas.

Check Gas Pressure Early

Consumers should check whether gas pressure is sufficient at the beginning of each supply window.

If pressure remains unusually low, they should report the problem through SNGPL’s official complaint channels.

Avoid Unnecessary Gas Consumption

Gas should be used carefully during the available hours.

Households can reduce wastage by turning off burners when they are not needed and checking appliances for leaks.

Use Alternative Cooking Arrangements Safely

Some households may consider alternative cooking methods when piped gas is unavailable.

However, safety should remain a priority. LPG cylinders and other fuel appliances must be installed and used according to proper safety instructions.

Never use outdoor cooking equipment in enclosed spaces, and ensure adequate ventilation when using gas appliances.

Will Gas Be Available for 24 Hours Again?

The latest announcement introduces three daily supply periods for domestic consumers.

However, it does not establish a permanent schedule for the entire winter.

Gas availability may change depending on temperatures, household demand, local production, imported LNG cargoes and the government’s supply priorities.

The government may review the situation if supply conditions improve or demand changes.

Consumers should follow further announcements from SNGPL and the relevant government departments for any changes to the schedule.

Is This Schedule Applicable to Sindh and Balochistan?

No. The announcement concerns SNGPL’s network, which serves Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Sindh and Balochistan are primarily served by Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).

Therefore, consumers in those provinces should not assume that the SNGPL timings apply to them.

SSGC consumers should follow announcements issued by their own gas utility.

Conclusion

SNGPL has introduced three daily gas supply periods for domestic consumers in Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from November 4, 2026.

Under the new winter gas schedule, households will receive gas from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The decision follows rising winter demand and pressure on available gas supplies, including imported LNG.

The restrictions also affect other sectors. CNG supplies have been reduced, industrial consumers are facing cuts, and the cement industry has reportedly shifted to coal.

For households, the immediate priority will be adjusting daily routines to the announced cooking hours.

Consumers should continue checking SNGPL updates because supply timings and pressure may change as the winter season progresses.