Looming gas shortage

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With the advent of the winter season, the gas crisis seems to have worsened as the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) halted gas supply to industries across Karachi, while the Petroleum Division Secretary informed the National Assembly Standing Committee that given the depleting reservoirs of gas in the country, everyone in the country may face up to 16 hours of gas load shedding.

Pakistan very evidently and desperately needs to make the transition to the use of renewable energy, instead of perishable commodities like oil and gas now. With the winter season coming, the public will require a steady supply of gas for the purposes of heating and cooking, especially in far-flung areas that are more prone to extreme weather. Already, people were experiencing at least 12 hours of gas load shedding but with reservoirs depleting further, load shedding is expected to increase to 16 hours.

Pakistan’s import prospects from Iran are limited due to international sanctions, and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused more hardships. As the gas from the Gulf countries is also out of stock due to rising demand in Europe, the authorities are now scrambling to find different avenues from different countries but only time will tell whether these efforts will bear fruit.

Meanwhile, the state must implement a nationwide resource management policy that aims on reducing the use and dependence on non-renewable energy sources like gas and fuel. AccessibleTechnology needs to be developed and must be relatively cheap to encourage more people to resort to electrical or solar-based heating.

This is the time for us to alter our ways so that we can adapt to the changing environment and circumstances. Gas is not a reliable resource and the sooner we come to terms with this reality, the sooner we will redirect attention, resources, and expertise towards developing better alternatives.

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