Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stepped in to resolve the ongoing disruptions in gas supply during Sehri and Iftar times in Ramadan, ordering immediate action to ensure uninterrupted service during these critical hours. In a late-night emergency meeting, the prime minister met with the senior management of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to address the issues of low gas pressure and service interruptions.
Following the meeting, SSGC announced a 10% increase in gas pressure to improve delivery during peak hours. The company also committed to starting gas supply to areas at the end of distribution networks 30 to 45 minutes before Sehri and Iftar, in an effort to maintain adequate pressure in these regions.
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To closely monitor the situation, control rooms have been set up at SSGC’s head office and regional offices. These control rooms will oversee the gas supply on a daily basis, ensuring that any complaints of low pressure are addressed promptly. SNGPL also confirmed its adherence to the prime minister’s directives and reassured the public that the gas supply during Sehri and Iftar would be uninterrupted.
Despite these efforts, residents in several Karachi areas, including Liaquatabad, Federal Capital Area, and parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, reported significant disruptions in gas supply during Iftar. Frustrations are mounting as these outages are occurring at crucial times, leaving people struggling to prepare meals.
In response, an SSGC spokesperson denied claims of widespread outages, stating that 95% of areas are receiving normal gas supply, while acknowledging complaints from the remaining 5%. The spokesperson encouraged residents to report any issues through the 1199 helpline for swift resolution.
SSGC had previously announced a gas load-shedding schedule for Ramadan, ensuring uninterrupted service during Sehri and Iftar. However, residents are still facing challenges despite these promises.