KARACHI – Low gas pressure has disrupted daily life in many parts of the city as temperatures dropped to single digits for the first time this winter. Residents using natural gas supplied by Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) reported difficulty cooking morning meals.
Many households were forced to delay breakfast for students and office workers. The problem became noticeable as the cold spell intensified across the city. Low gas pressure is a recurring issue every winter, adding to the hardship faced by citizens.
As chilly winds swept through neighborhoods, people began lighting bonfires on street corners to stay warm. Soup shops saw increased crowds, while stores selling warm clothing reported a sudden rise in customers. Despite these seasonal adjustments, the drop in gas pressure created frustration among residents.
Several areas experienced weak gas flow during early morning hours. Many families turned to expensive LPG cylinders as an alternative. A resident of Defence Housing Authority said the gas pressure was so low that even tea could not boil. Others echoed similar complaints from different localities.
SSGC has acknowledged the issue and attributed it to a technical fault. A company spokesperson said the utility is facing a shortfall of around 30 million cubic feet per day. This reduction is due to an unexpected problem at one of its gas production fields.
The spokesperson explained that the shortfall has affected distribution pressure in several districts. As a result, Low gas pressure has impacted household cooking, heating, and gas-powered appliances. The utility said it is working to restore normal supply.
To manage the situation, the government has approved a load management plan. Domestic consumers have been given priority. Fertilizer plants have been shut down, and weekly industrial closures are being enforced to reduce demand.
SSGC officials said the affected gas field is expected to resume normal output by early next week. Once repaired, overall supply conditions should improve across the city.
The spokesperson also highlighted a long-term decline in gas availability. Over the past five years, supply has dropped by 57 percent. It fell from 1,156 mmcfd in 2018-19 to about 660 mmcfd this year.
In Balochistan, winter demand rises sharply due to extreme cold. Gas demand increases from around 60-80 mmcfd to 170-180 mmcfd. SSGC said it is currently supplying 180 mmcfd there to support households.
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As winter continues, citizens fear that Low gas pressure may persist. Many say reliable gas supply during cold months has become an ongoing challenge. Authorities have urged patience while technical issues are addressed.
