Acute gas shortage triggers protests

As temperature took a dive during recent weeks, the demand for natural gas has increased in urban areas, especially Lahore. However, the government has failed to keep its promise of providing natural gas during cooking time.

Complaints of acute gas shortage are on the rise in provincial capital.

Various citizens complained about non-availability and very low pressure of gas in their neighbourhoods. A housewife residing in Faisal Town, Naheed Butt, highlighted that she was unable to provide breakfast to her husband and six-year-old son on time owing to current crisis. She said, “My husband leaves for office at 07:30am after dropping our son to school but I am unable to prepare breakfast on time. On most days there is no gas in stove and we have to buy food from shop.”

Another citizen, Muhammad Usman, said despite paying bills on time citizens are being denied basic necessities. During current winter season, citizens have to pay gas utility bills besides buying liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders at exorbitant rates. It is the negligence of the government and gas utility company which did not make proper arrangement ahead of winter season.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2022.