Gas: Consumers can’t stand the pressure

LAHORE: Domestic consumers in various areas faced great hardship due to gas outages and low pressure on Tuesday. They complained that the pressure of gas dropped from 6 am to 10 am. They said it had become a daily problem since the start of winter. “Winter did not bring joy to us as we are unable to enjoy hot food due to frequent gas cuts,” said Nagina Begum at Sabzazar Scheme. “I use LPG as an alternative but it is expensive and not so affordable,” she added. Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL), following a dip in gas pressure, has already suspended supply to fuel stations selling compressed natural gas (CNG) for transport. This was done to ensure the smooth supply of gas to domestic consumers. When contacted, an SNGPL official said there were complaints of low pressure but the situation would improve within few days. Meanwhile, dozens of domestic consumers staged a protest demonstration against gas outages and low pressure on Bund Road. The protesters, carrying empty utensils, blocked the main road for an hour and chanted slogans against gas outages. They urged SNGPL officials to take immediate steps to improve the supply.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2013.