ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s gas transmission system is causing a threat to the gas transmission system as it has entered the danger zone.
A senior official told The News the pressure in the Pakistan’s gas transmission system remained at a manageable level of 4.570-4.97bcf between May 5 and May 25. Over the 5bcf gas pressure mark, the gas transmission system becomes more vulnerable and the pipeline can burst anytime, he said.
Clarification from the Spokesperson of Sui Northern Gas
-
There is no danger to the transmission and distribution system of Sui Northern Gas.
-
The news circulating in the media is not true.
-
The Sui Gas transmission system is operating safely and continuously.
As per the news initially published in The News/ Geo TV:
“The authorities have started reducing gas flows from Pakistan’s local gas fields into the SNGPL system to reduce the line pack pressure,” he said. This reduction in gas flow from local gas fields poses significant risks to maintaining current local gas production level.
READ MORE: All judges of the Lahore High Court agreed that no more lockdowns of courts would be tolerated: CJ Lahore High Court
The exploration and production companies have time and again cautioned the authorities the practice of decreasing local gas flows to safeguard the gas transmission system was perilous, he said.
Sometimes, wells nearing depletion are compelled to reduce natural gas flows, causing irreparable damage, and they cannot recharge to their original flow levels, he noted. They require capital-intensive investment through artificial lift methods to resume production, he said.
According to the data as of May 26 (Sunday), the line pack pressure stood at 5.13bcf as compared to 5.17 recorded on Saturday. The local Exploration and Production (E&P) companies have reduced gas flows by 176mmcf from 783 to 605mmcf, which is dangerous for the operation of gas fields.
Consumption in the fertilizer sector stands at 52 mmcf as compared to Saturday’s consumption of 40mmcf with low RLNG consumption (24mmcf) by Fatima Fertiliser due to start-up of their plant at 1900 hrs on May 24 after completion of their Annual Turn Around (ATA).
The data warns extreme high-pressure condition prevails throughout the transmission network due to reduced offtake of RLNG by the power sector.