KARACHI: Gas shortages have intensified in Pakistan’s largest city ahead of the winter season, with prolonged and unannounced supply suspensions causing serious difficulties for domestic consumers. Gas availability in several neighbourhoods has reportedly fallen to just seven to seven-and-a-half hours a day.
Residents say gas was previously available for 10 to 12 hours daily, but supply hours have now been reduced to around seven to eight hours. In some areas, consumers reportedly receive gas for barely two hours during the night, making it increasingly difficult to prepare breakfast and meals and carry out routine household activities.
Frustrated consumers complain that despite paying their monthly gas bills regularly, they are being forced to purchase expensive liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to meet their cooking needs.
They say the additional expense has further strained household budgets, particularly for low- and middle-income families already struggling with rising living costs. Residents have questioned the need to maintain domestic gas connections if the utility company cannot ensure an adequate supply.
Expressing concern over the situation, citizens said shortages of electricity and water had already made everyday life difficult, while the growing scarcity of gas was now adding to their hardships and affecting access to basic household necessities.
When approached for its position, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) said no new gas supply schedule had been issued so far. The company added that the final policy decision regarding gas supply arrangements would rest with the government.
Meanwhile, consumers continue to face uncertainty over gas availability, with the reduced supply disrupting their daily routines ahead of the winter season.
