Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stepped in to resolve the ongoing gas supply disruptions affecting households during Sehri and Iftar in the holy month of Ramadan.
He has ordered immediate measures to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted flow of gas during these crucial hours.
In a late-night emergency meeting, the prime minister met with the managing directors and senior officials of SSGC and SNGPL to discuss the widespread complaints regarding low gas pressure and supply issues, as per the report.
As a result of the meeting, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) announced a 10% increase in gas pressure to improve supply, particularly during peak hours.
Additionally, in areas located at the end of the distribution networks, gas supply will now start 30 to 45 minutes before Sehri and Iftar to help stabilize pressure.
To monitor the situation more effectively, SSGC has set up control rooms at both its head office and regional offices.
These control rooms will track the daily gas supply status and ensure that complaints about low pressure are handled promptly.
Meanwhile, SNGPL has also pledged to follow the prime minister’s directives, assuring citizens that gas supply during Sehri and Iftar will be maintained without interruption.
They have encouraged the public to report any issues through the 1199 helpline for immediate assistance.
In Karachi, several areas faced severe gas shortages during Iftar, causing significant inconvenience for residents.
Reports indicate that localities such as Liaquatabad B Area, Liaquatabad 4, Federal Capital Area, and North Nazimabad experienced complete gas outages.
Similar issues were reported in Nazimabad, PIB Colony, and different blocks of Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
However, a spokesperson for SSGC denied claims of widespread outages, asserting that gas supply is functioning normally in 95% of the city, with only 5% of areas facing issues.
Before Ramadan, SSGC had announced a gas load-shedding schedule, ensuring uninterrupted supply during Sehri and Iftar hours.
Under this plan, gas was available from 3:30 PM to 10:00 PM and from 3:00 AM to 9:00 AM. However, supply was suspended between 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM and 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
Despite these assurances, many consumers continue to struggle with supply issues, particularly at Iftar time, leading to growing frustration among residents.