In Peshawar, Lahore, and Karachi, despite assurances from provincial governments regarding uninterrupted gas supply during the holy month of Ramadan, residents are facing acute shortages of gas. This has compelled them to resort to using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, resulting in a surge in prices for these cylinders. The populace, disillusioned with the government’s unfulfilled promises, is feeling the brunt of this crisis.
Shaan, a motorcycle ride-hailing driver in Karachi, lamented the drastic increase in LPG cylinder prices from Rs 200 to Rs 500 since the start of Ramadan. This spike has disrupted his monthly budgeting and added financial strain. Asif Abbasi echoed Shaan’s sentiments, criticizing the government for remaining indifferent to the exploitation by the LPG cylinder dealers, who are capitalizing on the situation for exorbitant profits.
Also Read: SNGPL to provide uninterrupted gas supply during Sahr and Iftar in Ramazan
Similarly, in Lahore, Muhammad Ejaz voiced frustration over the failure of the Sui Northern Gas Company to adhere to the gas supply schedule, rendering gas virtually non-existent for residents. The installation of illegal gas generators by some exacerbates the problem, leading to increased electricity bills. Muhammad Umair highlighted the government’s neglect, leaving citizens to fend for themselves amidst soaring utility costs.
In Peshawar, residents like Sakina and Zahra are grappling with gas load shedding, severely impacting daily life. Limited gas availability, primarily during late evening and early morning hours, disrupts meal preparation and affects children’s breakfast routines. Zahra underscored the additional burden of skyrocketing LPG cylinder prices, making it unaffordable for middle-class families.
Acknowledging the price discrepancies, Irfan Khokhar, Chairman of the LPG Distributors Association of Pakistan, admitted to hoarding and profiteering, resulting in inflated LPG prices. Sikandar Khan, an LPG dealer in Peshawar, corroborated this, attributing the price hikes to the shortage of Sui gas supply.
In response, the Sui Southern Gas Company’s spokesperson assured efforts to ensure gas supply during sehri and iftar hours. However, the ongoing challenges faced by residents indicate a pressing need for effective measures to address the gas shortage and curb exploitation by LPG dealers.
