Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken proactive steps to address the ongoing challenges of gas supply disruptions that have been affecting residents during sehri and iftar in the month of Ramadan. In response to the increasing complaints and issues faced by the public, the Prime Minister intervened, calling for immediate action to ensure a consistent and reliable flow of gas during these critical hours.
During a late-night emergency meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in discussions with the managing directors and senior management of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to tackle the issues of low gas pressure and service interruptions. The goal was to find solutions that would alleviate the struggles faced by the public, particularly during the fasting hours of Ramadan.
Following the meeting, Sui Southern Gas Company announced a significant 10% increase in gas pressure to enhance delivery efficiency during peak hours. This boost in pressure aimed to address the low pressure concerns that had been causing disruptions in gas supply to many areas. Additionally, to improve the situation further, gas supply to the areas situated at the end of distribution networks would commence 30 to 45 minutes earlier before sehri and iftar, ensuring better pressure levels in these regions.
In a bid to closely monitor and manage the gas supply situation, Sui Southern announced the establishment of control rooms at both the head office and regional offices. These control rooms would play a crucial role in overseeing the daily gas supply operations, promptly addressing any complaints related to low pressure, and resolving them on an emergency basis. This proactive measure was aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of gas delivery to consumers.
On the other hand, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) also committed to complying with the directives issued by the Prime Minister, reassuring citizens that gas supply during sehri and iftar hours would be maintained without any disruptions. They encouraged the public to report any gas-related issues through the 1199 helpline for immediate resolution, emphasizing the importance of timely communication to address concerns effectively.
Despite these efforts, residents in various areas of Karachi faced significant challenges due to gas supply disruptions during Iftar time. Areas such as Liaquatabad B Area, Liaquatabad 4, Federal Capital Area, and North Nazimabad reported experiencing interruptions in gas supply, leading to inconvenience for the residents. Similarly, parts of Nazimabad, PIB Colony, and several blocks of Gulshan-e-Iqbal also encountered issues with gas services during crucial hours.
However, a spokesperson for Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) refuted claims regarding gas outages, stating that gas supply was functioning as usual, with 95% of the areas receiving gas without any disruptions. The spokesperson acknowledged that there were complaints from the remaining 5% of areas, which were being addressed promptly to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to all consumers.
The timing of these disruptions, particularly during the Iftar period, has left residents frustrated and inconvenienced. Before the start of Ramadan, SSGC had announced a gas load-shedding schedule for the holy month, assuring uninterrupted gas supply during Sehr and Iftar hours. The schedule outlined specific timings for gas supply, ensuring that consumers’ needs during these crucial periods were met effectively.
Despite the challenges faced, the efforts by the government and gas companies to address these issues reflect a commitment to ensuring the welfare and convenience of the public, especially during the sacred month of Ramadan. The collaborative approach taken to improve gas supply and address consumer complaints demonstrates a proactive stance towards resolving critical issues that impact the daily lives of citizens.
