Iran-US Tensions Ripple Into Pakistan: Punjab Faces Unannounced Gas Cuts as RLNG Supply Plunges 75%

Lahore,
The escalating geopolitical standoff between Iran and the United States is now sending shockwaves through Pakistan’s energy infrastructure. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has begun unannounced load management across Punjab province, leaving millions of households without gas supply.
According to SNGPL officials, daily Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) supply has plummeted from 800 million cubic feet (mmcfd) to just 200 mmcfd — a 75% drop — as regional instability disrupts global LNG markets and supply chains.
Authorities confirmed that no formal load-shedding schedule has been issued. However, given that Pakistan is currently observing the holy month of Ramadan, gas supply has been prioritised during Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (sunset meal) hours. Outside these windows, pressure in the network has been significantly reduced, with densely populated residential areas bearing the brunt of the shortfall.
Officials stated that a comprehensive review of the situation will be conducted after Eid ul-Fitr before any long-term decisions are announced.
The development underscores Pakistan’s vulnerability to geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East, given its heavy reliance on imported RLNG to meet domestic energy demand.