Karachi residents faced a worsening gas shortage on Monday as several neighbourhoods remained without supply for up to four days, while other areas struggled with critically low pressure. The crisis comes amid a sharp drop in temperatures, with the city recording a minimum of 8.1°C, according to the Met Office.
Read More: SSGC works to restore normal gas supply in Sindh and Balochistan
The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) attributed the disruption to a reduction in gas supply from two fields, amounting to around 45 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d). To prioritise domestic consumers, the utility suspended supply to industrial users, including Fauji Fertiliser, and claimed it was providing 28 MMcf/d more gas to households than last winter. Officials said restoration efforts were underway, but the cold snap continued to strain daily life.
Residents expressed frustration over repeated gas disruptions, citing cold kitchens, delayed breakfasts, and the extra expense of turning to costly LPG cylinders. “Until the company is held accountable and infrastructure upgraded, Karachi’s residents will remain hostages of a broken system,” said a resident of Nazimabad.
PPP Sindh General Secretary Senator Waqar Mehdi called for urgent government intervention, urging Prime Minister to take notice of the ongoing shutdowns. “Regardless of weather conditions, residents continue to face persistent gas cuts, low pressure, and power outages while paying high bills,” he said.
The SSGC spokesperson said that extreme winter temperatures had severely affected the system’s line pack but reassured that steps were being taken to restore normal gas flow to households as soon as possible.
Read More: Low gas pressure disrupts Karachi kitchens amid cold snap
The ongoing shortage highlights the city’s vulnerability to cold-weather energy crises and renewed public criticism of gas distribution management. Officials warned that while industrial curbs could ease domestic supply temporarily, a long-term solution would require infrastructure upgrades and improved field output.