Pakistan’s energy sector is facing fresh challenges as natural gas production dropped by 8.4% in 2024. The country produced 2,638 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas, down from 2,888 MMCFD the previous year — a worrying sign for an already strained economy.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
Alongside the decline in production, gas consumption also fell by 4.5%, from 3,481 MMCFD to 3,323 MMCFD, largely due to reduced availability and rising prices.
Meanwhile, the total natural gas supply decreased by 7.16%, going from 3,811 MMCFD in 2023 to 3,538 MMCFD in 2024. This supply included:
- 1,023 MMCFD directly sent to power and fertilizer plants
- Sourced from key fields like Mari, Sui, Qadirpur, Kandkot, Nashpa, and more
Who’s Using the Gas?
Here’s how gas consumption was divided across sectors:
| Sector | Share (%) | Volume (MMCFD) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Generation | 30.84% | 1,060 MMCFD |
| Domestic (Households) | 23.89% | 821 MMCFD |
| Fertilizer Industry | 19% | 756 MMCFD |
| Captive Power Plants | 8.5% | 287 MMCFD |
Provincial Breakdown of Gas Usage
| Province | Consumption (MMCFD) | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | 1,401 MMCFD | 42% |
| Sindh | 1,398.7 MMCFD | 41% |
| Balochistan | 339 MMCFD | 10% |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 185 MMCFD | 6% |
Who’s Producing the Gas?
Sindh continued to lead the country in gas production:
- Sindh: 1,718 MMCFD
- Balochistan: 505 MMCFD
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 349 MMCFD
- Punjab: 64.4 MMCFD
After excluding gas directly supplied to plants:
- Sindh had a 49% share of the remaining supply
- Balochistan: 14%
- KP: 9.87%
- Punjab: only 2%
Increased Dependence on LNG
With falling local production, Pakistan is now relying more on imported Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG). RLNG made up 25% of the country’s gas supply in 2024. While this helps meet demand, it also raises concerns about higher energy costs and external dependency.
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What Needs to Be Done?
To avoid deeper energy problems, experts are calling for:
- New investment in gas exploration
- Better energy efficiency programs
- Stronger focus on renewables like solar and wind
- Transparent policies for managing imports and pricing
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s gas sector is at a turning point. The drop in domestic production, growing reliance on imported fuel, and regional disparities in supply and use point to an urgent need for smart energy planning. Without action, shortages and price hikes could become more frequent.