KARACHI: The city of Karachi is reeling under a severe gas crisis as plunging temperatures force residents to rely on costly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Scheduled gas load-shedding from 9:30 PM to 6:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM is exacerbated by widespread unannounced outages and low pressure, leaving many without adequate gas supply throughout the day.
Residents attribute this recurring winter crisis to aging infrastructure and leaks in the city’s gas distribution network. Sources at Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) confirmed that rehabilitation efforts are underway to address these issues, focusing on replacing pipelines in areas like North Nazimabad, North Karachi, and Lyari. However, this work has further disrupted supply to affected localities.
Consumers report increasing reliance on LPG despite the higher costs. Muhammad Rizwan from Malir lamented the lack of gas in his area for over a week, stating, “As a retired employee awaiting dues, buying expensive LPG is a burden.” Others in Clifton and DHA echoed similar grievances, with many abandoning SSGC-connected stoves altogether.
Illegal suction devices, used in desperation to extract gas, have worsened the problem by reducing pressure across several neighborhoods. Meanwhile, LPG sales have surged, with demand rising from 12 tonnes to nearly 17 tonnes in the past week, according to Muhammad Ali Haider, Vice Chairman of the All Pakistan LPG Marketers Association.
The unregulated retail LPG market has further fueled price hikes, with limited administrative oversight allowing retailers to set arbitrary prices.
SSGC defended its load management strategy, attributing disruptions to a 40% reduction in gas supplies since FY 2017-18 due to depleting reservoirs. The utility maintained that nighttime gas closures from 10 PM to 5 AM are essential for conserving pressure for peak usage during the day.
As the crisis deepens, the provincial government and opposition parties have raised concerns, urging swift action to alleviate hardships for Karachi’s citizens.
Story by Tahir Siddiqui
