Daytime gas supply cut sparks public anger

Piped gas has become increasingly scarce in Hyderabad, with supplies suspended during daytime hours for three consecutive days-from Friday to Sunday-triggering widespread public distress and disrupting industrial activity. Residents across several localities reported prolonged gas outages and extremely low pressure, even during officially scheduled supply hours, compounding hardships for households and businesses alike.

The arbitrary suspension of gas supply has added to citizens' woes, while gas-dependent industries have also begun to feel the impact. The Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry has demanded immediate improvement in gas supply, upgrading of gas infrastructure, and the introduction of a transparent load-management policy with prior public notification.

According to residents and traders, complaints about gas shortages have surged this winter, surpassing those recorded last year. Previously, gas was supplied only during specific morning, afternoon, and evening slots in winter, but now outages are being reported even within those scheduled hours. Additionally, gas supplies remain suspended for hours during the daytime on weekends, leaving many areas without gas or with negligible pressure.

The situation is particularly severe on Fridays, when domestic gas demand peaks due to congregational prayers, bathing needs, and colder weather. However, gas supplies are reportedly cut between 1:00pm and 2:30pm in most areas, while in others the pressure is so low that even gas suction machines prove ineffective.

Women, in particular, have been severely affected, while gas-reliant industries face production slowdowns and potential shutdowns.

Hyderabad Chamber President Saleem Memon expressed serious concern over the worsening gas crisis, warning that further drops in temperature in January could turn the shortage into a full-blown emergency for both households and industries. He said that despite Sindh producing nearly 65 percent of Pakistan's total gas, the province is being supplied around 600 MMCFD less than its requirement, in violation of constitutional provisions.

He also pointed out that expensive LNG contracts have led to the shutdown of local gas wells, yet consumers and industries continue to face shortages. According to Sui Southern Gas Company's own data, local gas supply in Sindh and Balochistan has declined by around 55 percent over the past eight years, without timely alternative arrangements or infrastructure upgrades.

Memon added that gas losses due to leakages, theft, and line losses cause an annual loss of around Rs40 billion, with SSGC's share exceeding Rs25 billion. As a result, industries are unable to meet orders, production has slowed, and several units face the risk of temporary or permanent closure, raising fears of job losses and economic damage.

He further warned that the burden has now shifted to domestic consumers, forcing thousands of families to rely on costly LPG cylinders, which are increasingly unaffordable for low- and middle-income households. The spread of illegal gas filling points has also emerged as a serious safety hazard.

The chamber urged the federal and provincial governments, OGRA, and Sui Southern Gas Company to ensure stable and reliable gas supply during winter, prioritise industries, immediately upgrade infrastructure, and implement a transparent load-management policy to safeguard businesses, employment, and public life from the deepening crisis.