Claiming that K-Electric owes Rs122 billion in outstanding dues, SSGC has indicated its reluctance to sign the gas supply deal until payments are made. Meanwhile, the gas utility insists that the payables and receivables need to be settled before it allows K-Electric to use its pipeline. The onus is now on the government to pave the way for the signing of GSA at the earliest and ensure enhanced power supply to Karachi. Considering Karachi’s 400MW power shortfall last year resulted in up to 10 hours of load-shedding including for industrial categories, accounting for 5% increased power demand and no power inflow from the 450MW plant, magnifies the power shortfall further and heralds a gruelling summer for Karachiites. Timely conclusion of both these agreements is absolutely vital for enhancing Karachi’s power supply situation and critical to minimise the power supply demand gap anticipated in upcoming months,” the official added.

Source: The Express Tribune February 27, 2021 03:33 UTC