Gas suspension, low pressure test patience of consumers

HYDERABAD:

The suspension of gas supply and low pressure has intensified during the holy month of Muharram, testing the patience of citizens who are already reeling from rising tariffs of gas and electricity. Complaints have surged regarding extended periods of gas suspension, disrupting daily life and preparations for religious ceremonies.

Normally, gas supply is suspended from 10pm to 6am, but recent reports indicate that this suspension now extends further into the morning hours, exacerbating difficulties during the holy month. This extended outage has particularly impacted households, where the inability to cook meals during these hours forces residents to seek expensive alternatives such as restaurant food or costly beverages like Kashmiri tea and coffee.

The situation has not spared businesses either, with hotels, restaurants, and cooking centres experiencing disruptions to their operations due to unreliable gas supply and low pressure. This has not only affected their ability to serve customers but also jeopardised their economic viability.

In response to the closure of LPG shops and illegal filling stations following the tragic Preetabad incident, citizens have been compelled to rely on natural gas for their cooking needs. However, frequent suspensions and inadequate pressure have rendered this alternative unreliable, straining household budgets and adding to the frustration of residents.

Reports from various neighbourhoods, including Heerabad, Tower Market, and Liaquat Colony, highlight that even when gas supply is restored in the morning, the pressure remains low for several hours, disrupting daily routines and preparations for Muharram Majalis and processions. This situation persists despite assurances from local authorities that there would be no gas load-shedding during the holy month.