SSGC says supply improves after induction of 45 MMCFD from two gas fields; cooking food at home is difficult
KARACHI:
A serious gas crisis continued to hit the metropolis on Tuesday as both domestic and industrial consumers faced severe shortage due to the ongoing gas load shedding by Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).
Gas supply remained suspended in a large number of areas including Landhi, Baldia Site, Orangi Town, Liaquatabad, PIB Colony, Jahangir Road, Buffer Zone, North Karachi, Keamari, Lyari, Saudabad, Old City Area, Saddar, PECHS, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Korangi, Malir, Model Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Surjani Town, Shah Faisal. Colony, Gadap, Kathore, Lines Area, City Railway Camp, Sultanabad and several other localities.
Despite the widespread shortage, the SSGC stated that the situation in the city was gradually improving. An SSGC spokesperson said gas supply had started to stabilize after the company started receiving 15 million cubic feet per day (MMPCD) of gas from certain fields. The spokesperson added that the gas supply will be carried out in accordance with the needs of the company’s franchise areas.
The spokesperson further stated that a day earlier the utility had faced a shortfall of 45 MMCFD in two gas fields. However, sources said SSGC is currently facing a gas shortfall of around 30 MMCFD.
Due to the prolonged crisis, gas outages, which were previously limited to nighttime hours, have now been extended to daytime hours as well. Citizens complained that despite spending billions of rupees on laying new gas pipelines across the city, SSGC has failed to ensure adequate supply at the required pressure.
Affected residents have demanded immediate action by the government against SSGC, saying the prolonged gas load shedding has made it difficult to cook food at home. As a result, business at hotels and restaurants has increased.
Consumers pointed out that while reduction in gas load from 10pm to 6am was already in effect, erratic supply during the day has further aggravated their problems. The suspension of gas has caused difficulties for households, food establishments, milk sellers and sweets and confectionery manufacturers.
Some consumers also alleged that an artificial gas shortage was being created to push people to use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) instead of natural gas.
