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The persistent gas crisis has shaken the very roots of the industry, particularly in Punjab, with export and economic growth targets in jeopardy, which if remain unmet will bring more unemployment and poverty, experts say.

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) announced on Friday last week that gas supply to all industries, except for fertiliser plants, in Punjab had been suspended for an indefinite period because of severe shortage. However, residential consumers will continue to get gas.

Petroleum Minister Dr Asim Hussain also said that January would be a month of gas emergency and warned that supply to all industries and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations across the country could be stopped for the entire month. According to the minister, the gas shortfall has risen to more than one billion cubic feet per day.