In an ever-tightening grip of winter’s cold, Pakistan is bracing itself for the recurring issue of gas load shedding, making everyday tasks like cooking increasingly challenging. The specter of this seasonal woe has recently stirred up a flurry of concerns and discussions online.
Rumors have been circulating on various platforms, urging people to consider purchasing costly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to meet their fuel needs as the winter season looms. These speculations have caused a wave of apprehension among the population.
Social media, particularly platform X, buzzed with a notification stating that gas availability would limited to specific hours, causing uncertainty. According to the notice, gas said to be accessible from 6-9 am, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, and 05:30 to 08:30 pm.
Widespread sharing of this post prompted a quick response from Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL). They issued an official statement titled “Important Notice for Gas Customers,” firmly denying these claims. SNGPL stressed that they have not released an official gas schedule for the winter season, dismissing the information on electronic and social media as baseless.
2/2 سوئی ناردرن گیس کی فراہمی یقینی بنانے کے لیےہمہ وقت کوشاں ہےگیس فراہمی سے متعلق اطلاع یا اعلان صرف سوئی ناردرن کے آفیشل سوشل میڈیا اکاؤنٹس پر کیا جاتا ہے— SNGPL Official (@SNGPLofficial) October 12, 2023
Interim Power Minister Muhammad Ali addressed concerns about gas availability for the upcoming winter season. He acknowledged the ongoing gas load-shedding issue and mentioned that it would continue this year. Ali also pointed out a troubling fact: natural gas reserves decreased by 18% compared to the previous year.
To address these concerns, the government has laid out plans to provide relief to consumers. The minister shared that the government will strive to ensure gas supply for consumers for eight hours a day. However, specific timing details not disclosed during the announcement. It’s important to note that in the previous year, gas supplied at various times throughout the day.