Gas Production in Pakistan Drops by 8.4%

Gas production in Pakistan witnessed a decline of 8.4 percent during the year 2024, falling to 2,638 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) from 2,888 MMCFD the previous year. Alongside this, gas consumption also registered a decrease of 4.5 percent, dropping from 3,481 MMCFD to 3,323 MMCFD. The natural gas supply in the country was down by 7.16 percent, amounting to 3,538 MMCFD in 2024 compared to 3,811 MMCFD last year. Out of the total supply, 1,023 MMCFD was delivered directly to power and fertilizer plants, sourced from major fields including Mari, Sui, Och, Qadirpur, Kandkot, Kharpawa, and Nashpa. In terms of sector-wise allocation, the power sector remained the largest consumer with a 30.84 percent share or 1,060 MMCFD. Domestic users followed with 23.89 percent (821 MMCFD), while the fertilizer industry received 19 percent (756 MMCFD), and captive power plants accounted for 8.5 percent (287 MMCFD). Provincial breakdown of consumption showed Punjab leading with 42 percent or 1,401 MMCFD, closely followed by Sindh at 41 percent or 1,398.7 MMCFD. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa consumed 6 percent (185 MMCFD), and Balochistan accounted for 10 percent (339 MMCFD). In terms of production, Sindh continued to dominate the gas output with 1,718.08 MMCFD, followed by Balochistan at 505 MMCFD, KP at 349 MMCFD, and Punjab at 64.4 MMCFD. Among the remaining gas supply (excluding direct plant allocations), Sindh had a 49 percent share, Balochistan 14 percent, KP 9.87 percent, and Punjab only 2 percent. Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) contributed 25 percent of the total gas supply mix, indicating a growing reliance on imported fuel amid falling domestic production.