Pakistan’s gas transmission and distribution network recorded 2,744 incidents of pipeline damage, ruptures, theft, and other disruptions during FY2024-25, causing significant gas losses and financial damage, according to official data.
SNGP Reports More Than 2,700 Incidents
The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGP) accounted for the vast majority of cases, reporting 2,704 incidents across its network during the fiscal year.
These incidents resulted in an estimated loss of 350.17 million cubic feet (MMCF) of natural gas.
According to the data, Abbottabad recorded the highest number of incidents with 635 cases, followed by:
- Islamabad: 563 incidents
- Multan: 348 incidents
- Peshawar: 310 incidents
- Rawalpindi: 245 incidents
- Sargodha: 129 incidents
- Lahore East: 95 incidents
- Karachi: 93 incidents
- Gujrat: 65 incidents
- Bahawalpur: 53 incidents
Additional incidents were also reported in Faisalabad, Sukkur, Mardan, and several other operational regions.
Major Gas Losses Recorded in Urban Centers
While Abbottabad reported the highest number of incidents, some of the largest gas losses were recorded in major cities.
Karachi reported gas losses of 74.82 MMCF, followed by:
- Multan: 72 MMCF
- Rawalpindi: 59 MMCF
- Islamabad: 55.86 MMCF
Officials say these losses were largely caused by operational disruptions and damage caused by third parties.
SSGC Reports Rs. 156.9 Million in Losses
The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) reported 40 incidents during the same period, resulting in an estimated financial loss of Rs. 156.9 million.
The reported incidents included:
- Pipeline ruptures
- Gas theft clamp cases
- Leakages
- Sabotage-related damage
One of the most costly incidents involved the rupture of an 18-inch gas pipeline, reportedly caused by heavy rainfall and landslide activity, resulting in losses of approximately Rs. 20.3 million.
Third-Party Damage Causes Major Losses
According to the data, incidents involving third-party damage were among the most expensive, causing losses of nearly Rs. 119.9 million across multiple cases.
Sabotage-related incidents accounted for an additional Rs. 48.8 million in losses.
Other reported cases included gas leakages on transmission routes in Karachi and Quetta, unauthorized theft connections on high-pressure pipelines, and infrastructure failures at key transmission points.
Unauthorized Activities Remain a Major Challenge
Officials from both gas utilities indicated that a large number of incidents were linked to unauthorized excavation work, third-party interference, illegal connections, and activities carried out near gas pipelines without proper coordination.
The continued damage to gas infrastructure not only results in financial losses but also creates operational challenges and safety risks for consumers and utility companies across the country.
