CNG stations limited to 6 hours daily, total shutdown for Eid

ABBOTTABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Mar, 2026) In a decisive bid to shield household gas supplies from the ongoing shortage, Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram has imposed tough new restrictions on CNG stations across the district, effective immediately.

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) cited acute supply constraints when backing the move, which prioritizes uninterrupted provision to domestic users during this high-demand period.

From now on, all CNG outlets will be permitted to operate for only six hours a day specifically from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM leaving them shuttered for the remaining 18 hours.

The clampdown intensifies over the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, stations will remain completely closed from 1st to 3rd Shawwal (March 21 to March 23, 2026), aligning with the expected public holidays following the likely moon-sighting on March 19–20.

Authorities have warned that any station found violating the schedule faces immediate disconnection of gas supply along with legal consequences. Assistant Commissioners, revenue officials, and law enforcement agencies have received firm instructions to carry out close monitoring and ensure full compliance.

The order, issued under the district administration emergency powers, will stay in force until further notice and forms part of broader efforts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to manage winter-turned-festive-season gas shortfalls that have repeatedly disrupted both homes and transport.

Local commuters and transport operators are already bracing for the impact, with many anticipating longer queues during the permitted window and complete unavailability during Eid festivities.