KARACHI: Industrialists and traders in Hyderabad have raised alarms over persistent energy issues, including critically low gas pressure, extended load-shedding, and inefficiencies in service delivery by Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) and Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO).
With winter exacerbating gas shortages, industrial and commercial sectors report plummeting pressure levels and air in gas lines. HESCO’s daily six-to-eight-hour load-shedding and frequent power outages further disrupt operations.
Muhammad Saleem Memon, President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), highlighted the dire situation, stating that industries face severe disruptions, leading some to consider relocating to other provinces. He criticized delays in new gas connections and meter installations, calling for better customer service and uninterrupted gas supply to boost economic productivity.
During a reception for SSGCL Regional Head Muhammad Akram Qureshi, Memon urged immediate action on pending applications and staff behavior issues. Sikandar Ali Rajput, Convener of the Sui Southern Gas Affairs Sub-Committee, lauded SSGCL for repairing a key pipeline but criticized the confusing gas billing system.
Qureshi responded by announcing the formation of a liaison committee to address complaints and reported progress on repairing 85% of gas pipelines in Hyderabad. Despite laying 174 kilometers of new pipelines at a cost of Rs565 million, ongoing projects face delays due to local administrative hurdles.
However, Qureshi warned that night-time gas load-shedding for domestic users would continue due to a 30% drop in gas production in Sindh and Balochistan. He emphasized that industrial users remain a priority, particularly in Karachi, given the region’s economic importance.
The ongoing energy crisis poses a significant challenge to Hyderabad’s industries, jeopardizing their survival and hindering the city’s economic growth.
