KARACHI:
This year, gas load shedding began as early as November in Karachi. Consumers in Soldier Bazar hardly receive any gas and even when they do the pressure is very low. People are forced to purchase expensive gas cylinders and refill gas. The dangers of using gas cylinders are worth considering because every year several incidents of fires and explosions are reported. Many people are compelled to buy food from restaurants, which is costly and unhygienic.
Gas leakages and faults in pipelines also regularly disrupt gas supply. Now the SSGC has announced 16-hour gas load-shedding in Sindh and Balochistan. Thus, one cannot help but wonder why Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) is issuing bills and expecting consumers to pay them. How can they justify charging for a service that is largely unavailable? The relevant authorities including Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority and the provincial department must take notice of the situation and urge SSGC to adjust charges in the bill accordingly. The government should relieve the public of the annual gas crisis by forming a long-term plan to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply during the winter season.
Ashfaq Sharif
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2022.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
