PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s southern region witnessed a significant reduction in gas theft and line losses, which dropped from Rs8.8 billion in FY20 to Rs3.17 billion in FY24. However, approximately Rs8.684 million worth of natural gas continues to be stolen daily in the districts of Karak, Hangu, and Shakardara, resulting in monthly losses of Rs264.66 million.
The consistent decline in losses is attributed to rehabilitation initiatives by federal and provincial governments. Over the years, transmission and distribution losses have steadily decreased:
FY20: 16,164 MMCF lost (Rs8.8 billion).
FY21: 10,079 MMCF lost (Rs6 billion).
FY22: 7,241 MMCF lost (Rs4.2 billion).
FY23: 5,577 MMCF lost (Rs4.5 billion).
FY24: 2,826 MMCF lost (Rs3.17 billion).
The ongoing rehabilitation project, funded by federal and provincial governments, includes a 1,500-km gas distribution network in Karak, Hangu, and Shakardara. Phase one, costing Rs1.9 billion, is complete, while Rs5.6 billion has been allocated for phase two, expected to finish by June 2025. An additional Rs11 billion is needed for phase three to finalize the system.
Regional Manager Kashif Naveed noted that legal gas connections in these areas have increased from 8,000 to 23,000, reducing theft and improving management. He highlighted that the lack of a formal distribution system had previously forced locals to create makeshift lines, exacerbating losses.
Efforts by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and government funding are gradually curbing gas theft and enhancing infrastructure in these law-and-order-challenged areas.
Story by Arshad Aziz Malik
