KARACHI:
Pakistan has been facing the issue of gas depletion for a few years, which is getting severer with time. The resource is being used rapidly, so much so that many households now lack access to natural gas. This reserves are about to end, and there has been no discovery of new resources since 2012. However, the need for gas is increasing with the increase in population and urbanisation.
The factors compounding the gas crisis include: outdated and ineffective distribution system, a major contributor to leakage, metering inaccuracies and theft. This results in a significant portion of the gas purchased and sold not being billed, leading to widespread economic repercussions. The gas network’s distribution losses, ranging from 12.32% to 18.28%, far exceed the global benchmark of 2-3%, indicating a serious problem.
It is imperative for the government to take proactive steps to address the gas crisis. This includes exploring alternative resources and implementing new systems to combat issues of leakage and theft. Additionally, the promotion of electric stoves as a viable alternative to gas stoves is a crucial step in preventing further crises.
Hafiza Almas Manahil
Lahore
