The government has extended the daily closure hours of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in a bid to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to the power sector during the holy month of Ramadan.
At the same time, authorities have decided to allow CNG and fuel filling stations to remain open-the-clock for a specified period around Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 to facilitate smooth travel during the festival.
The measures were announced in a notification issued on Friday by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.
Officials said the decision aims to ease low pressure in the gas distribution network and meet increased demand for gas in electricity generation during Ramadan.
Under the new directive, all CNG stations nationwide will remain closed daily from 3pm to 9pm until 14 March 2026.
Previously, stations were shut from 6pm to 9pm; the closure period has now been extended from three hours to six hours.
However, to ensure uninterrupted travel on highways during Eid-ul-Fitr, CNG and filling stations will be permitted to operate 24 hours a day from 15 March to 25 March 2026.
After Eid, from 26 March 2026 onwards, CNG stations will revert to their previous schedule and remain closed daily from 6pm to 9pm.
Authorities expressed hope that the move would help stabilise gas supplies for power generation during Ramadan while preventing any fuel shortages for travellers during the Eid holiday.