SNGPL Warns of Payment Crisis as Power Sector Dues Reach Rs169 Billion
ISLAMABAD, November 10, 2026: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has warned of a serious financial crisis as unpaid bills from Pakistan’s electricity sector reach approximately Rs. 169.27 billion.
The gas utility says delayed payments are affecting its ability to meet financial commitments to suppliers, raising concerns about Pakistan’s imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain.
According to Business Recorder, SNGPL has requested urgent government intervention to recover outstanding payments.
How Much Does Pakistan’s Power Sector Owe SNGPL?
The outstanding amount includes unpaid gas charges, re-gasified LNG (RLNG) tariff adjustments, contractual liabilities and late payment surcharges.
| Power Sector Category | Outstanding Dues |
|---|---|
| Gas-based power plants | Rs. 67.268 billion |
| WAPDA power plants | Rs. 63.548 billion |
| Independent power producers | Rs. 38.454 billion |
| Total | Rs. 169.270 billion |
Gas-based power plants account for the largest share, representing approximately 40% of total outstanding payments.
Which Power Plants Have the Largest Unpaid Bills?
According to SNGPL’s reported correspondence, several major electricity producers have accumulated substantial liabilities.
Among the largest outstanding amounts are:
- Guddu Power: Rs. 37.959 billion
- Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Limited: Rs. 30.062 billion
- Liberty Power: Rs. 22.642 billion
- NPPMC Baloki: Rs. 22.701 billion
- Nandipur Power: Rs. 21.395 billion
These payments form part of the wider financial obligations between Pakistan’s electricity producers and gas suppliers.
Why Is SNGPL Facing a Financial Crisis?
SNGPL attributes the growing payment delays to insufficient fund releases by the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee (CPPA-G) and non-payment by individual power plants.
In correspondence with CPPA-G, the company warned that continuing delays could affect its ability to pay upstream suppliers.
The company also raised concerns about possible international payment defaults involving Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL).
However, no confirmed international payment default was reported.
Could the Crisis Affect Gas and Electricity Supply?
The growing unpaid bills could create financial difficulties across Pakistan’s energy supply chain.
When electricity producers delay payments to gas distributors, those distributors may struggle to pay their own suppliers.
Continued financial pressure could complicate future LNG procurement and supply arrangements.
However, SNGPL has not announced nationwide gas or electricity supply interruptions directly resulting from these outstanding payments.
What Action Has SNGPL Requested?
SNGPL has approached the Petroleum Division and requested coordination with the Power Division to secure overdue payments.
The company has also warned that it may exercise contractual recovery rights if payments remain outstanding.
The next important development will be whether the relevant authorities announce a settlement plan to address the accumulated liabilities.