Karachi, Pakistan, is facing severe gas crisis amid the cold weather. This severe condition is forcing residents to buy expensive liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Gas shortages have worsened as winter sets in. Many areas are experiencing unannounced gas cuts as well. Local residents say the problem recurs every winter.
In Karachi, LPG load shedding is scheduled from 9:30 pm to 6 am and from 2:30 pm to 5 pm. However, in many parts of the city, gas is either unavailable or available at very low pressure throughout the day. Residents attribute this to the city’s aging gas distribution infrastructure, which is prone to leakages, leading to low pressure.
The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) is currently working on rehabilitating the old infrastructure, focusing on densely populated areas like North Nazimabad, North Karachi, and Lyari. This work has temporarily affected gas supply due to the replacement of old pipelines. Complaints about the gas shortage have increased, particularly since the onset of winter.
One resident from North Karachi mentioned that his area has been without gas for a week. With LPG being the only alternative, the high cost is a burden. Muhammad Rizwan from G Area, a retired municipal worker, also struggles to afford LPG due to unpaid dues. Well in some areas, gas suction devices, commonly used to draw gas, are ineffective because they only suck in air. Illegal use of these devices is a factor contributing to the low pressure, according to the gas utility.
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Samreen Hassan, who is a resident of Sadar, switched to LPG long ago due to frequent shortages. “I can’t depend on the gas supply anymore,” she said. Similarly, Salman Khan from Hijrat Colony complained that gas supply is insufficient even during off-peak hours. This issue is widespread, affecting areas like Clifton and Defence House Authority.
As the gas shortage continues, many residents have used LPG for years instead of natural gas. Muhammad Ali Haider, vice president of the All Pakistan LPG Marketers Association, noted a significant rise in LPG sales. While Karachi’s LPG demand was around 12 tonnes, it has recently surged to 16-17 tonnes. Both the provincial government and opposition parties have expressed concern over the worsening gas crisis.
