Government Issues Special Gas Supply Timings for Sehri and Iftar Across Pakistan

As Ramazan 2026 approaches, the Government of Pakistan has officially announced a special gas supply schedule to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability during Sehri and Iftar hours. The decision aims to reduce public inconvenience, especially for households that rely on natural gas for cooking pre-dawn and sunset meals.

With rising demand during the holy month, authorities have coordinated with major gas distribution companies to streamline supply and minimize pressure drops during peak hours.

Why a Special Gas Schedule Is Introduced Every Ramadan

During Ramazan, gas consumption increases twice a day sharply — before Fajr at Sehri and at sunset for Iftar. This sudden spike often causes low pressure in many urban and rural areas.

To address this, the government works with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and Sui Southern Gas Company to create a controlled distribution plan.

The goal is simple:

• Ensure maximum gas pressure during Sehri
• Provide steady supply during Iftar cooking hours
• Reduce complaints related to load management
• Maintain fairness between domestic and commercial users

Ramazan 2026 Gas Supply Timings

According to official briefings, the special schedule will remain active throughout Ramazan 2026.

Sehri Timings

Gas supply will remain fully available approximately 3 to 4 hours before Fajr to ensure smooth meal preparation.

Iftar Timings

Uninterrupted gas flow will be provided around 2 to 3 hours before Maghrib to facilitate cooking for Iftar.

Outside these peak hours, load management may continue in certain high-demand areas to balance the national grid.

Regions Covered Under the Special Plan

The schedule applies nationwide, including:

• Punjab (under SNGPL)
• Sindh and Balochistan (under SSGC)
• Major metropolitan cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi
• Smaller districts and semi-urban regions

Authorities have clarified that industrial gas usage may be adjusted temporarily to prioritize domestic consumers during Ramazan.

How the Government Is Managing Demand in 2026

For Ramazan 2026, additional coordination meetings were held between the Petroleum Division, gas utilities, and provincial authorities.

Key management measures include:

• Pressure monitoring stations operating 24/7
• Emergency response teams on standby
• Dedicated Ramazan complaint cells
• Supply adjustments in high-density neighborhoods
• Monitoring of illegal gas connections

Officials have emphasized strict action against theft and unauthorized compressors, which reduce pressure for other consumers.

Public Advisory for Households

While the government is ensuring maximum supply, citizens are encouraged to use gas responsibly.

Safety and Usage Tips

• Avoid using gas compressors
• Check stove pipelines for leakage
• Turn off burners immediately after cooking
• Do not leave gas heaters running unnecessarily
• Report low pressure issues to official helplines only

Responsible consumption helps maintain equal distribution for all families.

Commercial Sector Adjustments During Ramazan

Hotels, restaurants, and bakeries typically experience increased business during Ramazan. To manage the domestic load:

• Commercial supply may operate on adjusted hours
• Some industries may face reduced gas pressure
• Bulk users may be shifted to alternate energy sources

These temporary changes ensure homes receive priority supply for Sehri and Iftar.

Helpline and Complaint Registration

Consumers experiencing severe supply issues can contact:

• SNGPL helpline (for Punjab & KP regions)
• SSGC helpline (for Sindh & Balochistan regions)
• Local gas office complaint desks

Digital complaint systems are also active through official company websites.

Authorities have advised citizens to avoid relying on unofficial news circulating on social media and instead verify updates from authentic sources.

Expected Impact on Urban and Rural Areas

Urban centers usually face higher consumption peaks, but rural areas often struggle with low baseline pressure.

For Ramazan 2026, the supply plan aims to:

• Stabilize urban pressure fluctuations
• Improve rural network balancing
• Prevent sudden shutdowns during meal preparation
• Reduce emergency cylinder demand

Officials believe improved infrastructure upgrades carried out in late 2025 will help maintain smoother distribution this year.

Energy Conservation and Long-Term Planning

Beyond Ramazan, the government is working on broader energy reforms to reduce seasonal shortages. These include:

• Expansion of LNG imports
• Pipeline network upgrades
• Renewable energy integration
• Smart metering systems

Energy experts stress that demand management during Ramazan offers valuable data for future infrastructure planning.

What Citizens Should Expect in 2026

Compared to previous years, authorities claim improved coordination between federal and provincial departments.

Households can expect:

• Better-defined gas supply windows
• Fewer unexpected outages during peak cooking hours
• Faster complaint resolution
• Transparent communication from gas companies

However, minor load management outside Sehri and Iftar periods may continue depending on overall national supply.

Conclusion

The special gas supply schedule for Ramazan 2026 reflects the government’s effort to ease daily life during the holy month. By prioritizing Sehri and Iftar hours, coordinating with SNGPL and SSGC, and implementing stricter monitoring measures, authorities aim to reduce inconvenience for millions of households.

Citizens are encouraged to cooperate by conserving energy and reporting issues through official channels. With responsible usage and coordinated management, Ramazan 2026 is expected to experience more stable gas availability compared to previous years.