Gas Shortage and LPG Cylinder Sales Surge Amidst Winter Peak Demand in Karachi
In recent years, the gas shortage situation for SSGC (Sui Southern Gas Company) has deteriorated. Since FY2017-18, there’s been a 40% drop in natural gas supplies due to dwindling indigenous sources—a trend mirrored with increasing LPG sales and reliance on the commodity for cooking during peak hours [Dawn, December 23rd, 2024].
Residents of Clifton have not used their stoves connected to SSGC lines in ages due to persistent gas shortages. All Pakistan LPG Marketers Association Vice-chairman Muhammad Ali Haider noted a significant increase in the requirement for LPG from about 12 tonnes last week, jumping up by around 30% during peak hours [Dawn, December 23rd, 2024].
Despite protests and concerns raised over winter gas crisis throughout Sindh Province—claiming a lack of price control measures due to an imbalance in the number of SSGC franchise areas versus LPG retail shops selling at their own discretion. The provincial government is expected to address these issues [Dawn, December 23rd, 2024].
In a statement denying gas loadshedding within its territories—particularly in the domestic sector as part of an international-standard pressure profiling strategy during nighttime hours. This method helps manage saved indigenous natural gas volumes for peak consumption times [Dawn, December 23rd, 2024].
LPG Prices and Retailers’ Choice in the Unregulated Marketplace of Sindh City: A Concerning Rise
The city administration holds responsibility over price control measures. However, due to a limited number of officers compared to thousands of uncontrolled retail shops selling commodities at their own chosen prices—a significant LPG price increase has been noticed [Dawn, December 23rd, 2024].
Consumer Perspectives: The Daily Struggles and Adaptations Amidst Gas Shortages
- Noor Rehman (age group unknown), a resident of Clifton for over twenty years. Living in Saddar’s SSGC franchise, Noor’s daily routine has been greatly impacted by the persistent gas shortage: “I haven’t used my stove connected to SSGC line since 2018,” she laments [Dawn, December 23rd, 2024].
- Muhammad Rizwan (G Area), recounts a tough year for his family amidst gas scarcity. The shortage has become routine due to the constant lack of SSGC’s reliability: “There is hardly any gas even after loadshedding hours,” he shares [Dawn, December 23rd, 2024].
- Samreen Hasan (Saddar), a housewife for twenty years and mother to school-going children. She relies on LPG due to unpredictable gas supply: “I have two kids in school; I can’t rely solely on the SSGC line,” she says [Dawn, December 23rd, 2024].
The Increasing Dependence on LPG for Cooking and Baking During Peak Hours: A Cost of Living Issue? (Interview with Muhammad Ali Haider)
- Muhammad Ali Haider discusses the increasing demand in winter months. “The total requirement had been around 12 tonnes, but it increased to about 16 – 17 tonnes recently,” he stated [Dawn, December 23rd, 2024].
- He acknowledges that price fluctuation is common due to the lack of regulation at retail levels in Karachi. “It’s not practical for this city administration with only a few officers compared to thousands of LPG shops selling commodity,” he added [Dawn, December 23rd, 2024].
- Haider suggests that these uncontrolled practices may lead to price exploitation. He emphasizes the need for systemic changes and intervention at city administration levels in order to curtail this issue of noncompliance with international standards during load management [Dawn, December 23rd, 2024].
