Power, gas crises

Letter January 03, 2021
The government must pay an urgent attention to the shortage of gas

KARACHI:

The whole country is suffering from a severe gas supply crisis. The parts in the country’s north as well as northwest which are in the grip of an intense cold wave are suffering the most. Both the domestic and industrial consumers are affected by this unsteady supply. While there is no gas in the stoves at home, even tanoors are compelled to use gas cylinders, which has caused a rise in the prices of naan and roti. Given an increased reliance on firewood in areas gripped by cold, the rate of firewood has also escalated.

Industrial consumers are also suffering from intermittent gas supply, something that has affected production. Export orders have also taken a bad hit, according to the representatives of business associations. Besides, the CNG availability for public and private vehicles is also affected. Rickshaw and cabs are charging more than the normal fare as CNG pumps in many cities are closed three to four days a week. And on top of that some media reports suggest that this gas shortage will continue into the coming summer season and affect power production too.

The government must pay an urgent attention to the shortage of gas. It must make arrangements for gas supply on an emergency basis at least for the sake of people in coldest parts of the country.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2021.

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