Karachi gas crisis deepens as unannounced load-shedding forces residents to buy expensive LPG

Residents of Karachi are facing increasing difficulties as unannounced gas load-shedding intensifies across several parts of the city ahead of the winter season forcing households to rely on costly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking.

Residents of Karachi are facing increasing difficulties as unannounced gas load-shedding intensifies across several parts of the city ahead of the winter season forcing households to rely on costly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking.

According to a report published on Tuesday domestic gas supply has been reduced significantly with consumers now receiving gas for approximately seven to seven-and-a-half hours daily compared with 10 to 12 hours previously.

Residents said unexpected interruptions had become increasingly common while nighttime gas availability had dropped to barely two hours in some areas. The situation has made routine household activities particularly cooking increasingly difficult.

Domestic consumers have expressed frustration over having to pay their regular gas bills despite facing frequent supply disruptions. Many have complained that they are being forced to purchase expensive LPG cylinders to meet their daily cooking needs.

Some residents questioned why they should continue paying for gas connections if the company could not ensure a reliable supply. They also expressed concern that households which already face difficulties accessing essential services such as water, are now having to spend additional money to obtain cooking fuel.

Meanwhile, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) said no new gas supply schedule had been announced and that the government would make the final decision regarding the matter.

However, residents said the company’s helpline had also failed to provide clear information about the timing of gas outages leaving consumers uncertain about when supplies would be restored.

They argued that gas interruptions without any announced timetable amounted to unannounced load-shedding and demanded immediate intervention by the relevant authorities.

Consumers have called on the government and SSGC to take measures to ensure a consistent gas supply to residential areas and provide relief to households struggling with the growing energy crisis.