Winters in Swat: Low gas pressure leaves residents high and dry

Warn of launching protests if the issue is not resolved soon.

MINGORA: After dealing with low gas pressure for nearly a week, residents of various areas of Swat have threatened to take to the streets if the pressure is not established soon.

According to consumers in various areas of Mingora, natural gas pressure is extremely low in the area and they are unable to cook as a result.

“This is the fourth day that our children went to school on an empty stomach because we cannot light our stoves,” said Jamal Zeb, a resident of Rang Mohallah, adding the utility’s supply is also interrupted frequently.

Along with Mingora, residents of Saidu Sharif, College Colony, Afsar Abad, Malook Abad, Watkey and other localities have complained of the same issue.

Ameenullah, a Saidu Sharif resident, said, “This happens every winter. Since we don’t get gas at this time, we have to rely on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) which is sold at higher prices during winter.”

Demanding uninterrupted gas supply at normal pressure, Swat’s residents warned to launch protests if their problem was not resolved.

Along with domestic consumers, commercial users, too, complained of low gas pressure at CNG stations. “I have been going to a CNG station for the past three days but cannot fill gas in my vehicle because the pressure is not sufficient,” said Abdul Khaliq, a van driver in Mingora.

When approached for comments, Mirwais, an official at the district office of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), said the issue was not limited to Swat; consumers across the country are facing it too.

“The problem of low gas pressure is arising out of a supply system in Nowshera. I have sent a report to the SNGPL general manager and the issue will be resolved soon,” said Mirwais.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2014.