Since the onset of winter, Karachi has been facing issues with gas loadshedding. In spite of yearly commitments for a reliable gas supply, numerous neighbourhoods in Karachi suffer from extended gas shortages. Currently, the situation is particularly dire as the influx of gas decreases just when the demand for cooking increases. Families find themselves paying more each month due to the reliance on expensive LPG for water heaters, along with rising fuel costs. Some have opted to switch to electric stoves. However, they still rely on hot water daily. Small businesses like roadside tea stalls, restaurants and tandoor operations are also affected. Providing meals requires significant gas consumption. The current gas scarcity has led many businesses to reduce their operating hours and some have even halted operations entirely until the situation improves. This significantly affects wages while making it difficult for employees to maintain their jobs or seek new ones.
Pakistan’s officials need to invest in upgrading the gas infrastructure, fix existing leaks and plan more effectively while providing transparent updates on supply availability. Karachi relies heavily on a consistent gas supply. There must be a prompt response to restore gas flow to prevent further complications while ensuring safety and minimising disruptions for local enterprises.
Haroon Afzal
Karachi
