New Winter Gas Schedule For 2025-2026 In Pakistan

Every winter, gas consumption rises sharply across Pakistan. Families cook more warm meals, heat water, and try to stay comfortable during cold mornings. Because the demand increases quickly, the gas supply system struggles to keep full pressure in all areas.

To manage this situation in a more organised way, the authorities have introduced a new winter gas schedule for the 2025–2026 season. The aim is simple, to ensure that residential users receive gas at fixed times each day, instead of facing sudden or unpredictable outages. This helps households plan their daily routines without constant worry.

Officials say the schedule will stay in place through the coldest months when gas shortages are usually at their peak.

Winter gas load shedding schedule For Punjab, K-P

For residential customers in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited has published an updated gas load-shedding timetable for the winter months of December through February.

Officials say the same timetable will be followed nationwide, with the exception of Karachi and Quetta, where different plans are in place.

Breakfast and other meals should be prepared by households during the specified supply hours. Domestic consumers would receive gas sporadically in three daily slots under the new schedule: from 5.30 am to 8.30 am, from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm, and from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm. SNGPL reaffirmed that the industrial sector is not subject to load-shedding.

Daily Gas Supply Timings for Households

For homes connected to the northern gas network, gas will now be supplied in three specific slots every day. These timings are based on when families need gas the most.

Daily Gas Supply Slots

Time of Day	Gas Availability
Morning	5:30 am to 8:30 am
Midday	11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Evening	5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Outside these timings, gas pressure may be very low or completely unavailable.

Who Will Be Affected

Households: Yes, the new schedule applies fully to domestic users.
Industries: No, industries are expected to receive uninterrupted supply so that trade and production are not affected.

Why These Timings Were Selected

Energy officials explain that these timings reflect the typical demand pattern seen in winter:

Morning peak use
People cook breakfast, prepare for school and work, and use geysers for warm water.
Midday cooking time
Lunch preparation requires steady gas flow, especially in large households.
Evening family meal time
Dinner is the most important meal for many families, so this slot ensures reliable supply.

By spreading demand across three fixed periods, the gas pressure remains more stable, and households can plan their usage without stress.

OGRA to Review Significant Gas Price Hike Requests This November

Official documents state that SSGC has asked for a rise in gas prices of Rs125.41 per MMBTU, while SNGPL has proposed an increase of Rs189 per MMBTU.

Before making a judgment, OGRA will evaluate the utilities’ financial arguments at hearings on SNGPL’s petition on November 7 and SSGC’s petition on November 11.

Citing an expected financial requirement surpassing Rs52.95 billion for the 2019 fiscal year, SNGPL has suggested an average prescribed gas price of Rs 1,955.50 per MMBTU. With projected cash requirements of more than Rs 24 billion, SSGC has asked to set its average prescribed gas price at Rs1,658.56 per MMBTU.

How the Gas Schedule Affects Everyday Life

With limited gas hours, small adjustments in your daily routine can make a big difference. Many families will need to organise their day around the new timings.

Cooking and Meal Planning

Cook meals during the designated time slots so you can use full gas pressure.
Prepare some items in advance to reduce time spent on the stove.
Pressure cookers can help reduce gas use and cooking time.

Hot Water and Geyser Management

Turn on the geyser only during supply hours.
Store hot water in insulated containers if needed later in the day.
Check geysers for leaks so that hot water is not wasted.

Saving Gas at Home

Turn off burners immediately after use.
Keep pots covered to cook food faster.
Avoid using gas for non-essential tasks when supply is limited.

Important Things Residents Should Know

Here are some useful points for households during this winter season:

Gas supply timings may change if weather conditions worsen or demand increases too fast.
The schedule applies mainly to regions connected to the northern system, especially Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities may revise the plan later in the season to improve distribution.
Households should avoid using gas heaters for long hours because they use a lot of fuel and reduce overall system pressure.

Advice from the Authorities

Officials responsible for energy supply have made repeated requests for careful gas usage this winter. Their key messages include:

Use gas responsibly so that all households receive fair access.
Avoid leaving stoves or geysers on unnecessarily.
Make backup arrangements for heating water if your needs fall outside the supply slots.
Follow updates issued by the relevant departments so you remain aware of any changes.

The aim is to support families as much as possible while managing the overall shortage in a controlled way.

Conclusion

The 2025–2026 winter gas schedule is designed to manage limited supply in a predictable and fair way. While it may require some changes to daily routines, the fixed timings help households plan ahead instead of dealing with sudden outages.

By using gas carefully and following the scheduled hours, families can cope better with winter shortages and make sure everyone gets a fair share of supply. As the season progresses, further updates may be issued, so staying informed is key.