As the holy month of Ramadan begins, gas supply schedules across various cities in Pakistan have been adjusted to ensure a continuous supply during the critical Sehr and Iftar hours . However, challenges persist in certain areas, with some regions facing disruptions in gas availability, prompting action from relevant authorities to mitigate these issues.
SNGPL’s Gas schedule for Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has unveiled its gas supply schedule for Islamabad and Rawalpindi to ensure that residents have access to gas during key times in Ramadan. According to the schedule, gas will be available from 3:00 am to 9:00 am for Sehr and from 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm for Iftar.
SNGPL’s timetable aims to align the gas supply with the peak times for preparation of the pre-dawn meal (Sehr) and the evening meal (Iftar). In these critical hours, residents in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are advised to plan their cooking and gas usage accordingly to ensure minimal inconvenience during Ramadan.
Gas Availability Timing:
- Sehr: 3:00 am to 9:00 am
- Iftar: 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Gas Closure Timing:
- From 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
- From 10:00 pm to 3:00 am
SNGPL’s revised gas timings for Lahore
As part of its Ramadan preparedness, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) gas introduced a new gas schedule for Lahore on day 2 of Ramadan. Gas will now be available from 2:30 am to 8:00 am for Sehr and from 2:30 pm to 10:00 pm for Iftar. The company has implemented strict monitoring mechanisms, including the formation of 100 monitoring committees to ensure the smooth supply of gas.
Gas Availability Timing:
- Sehr: 2:30 am to 8:00 am
- Iftar: 2:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Rashid Inayat, General Manager at SNGPL, confirmed that the company will maintain round-the-clock surveillance during Ramadan to ensure timely gas distribution.
While Lahore appears to be relatively well-prepared, Karachi’s situation remains a challenge, with citizens calling for more reliable services throughout the holy month.
SSGC announces Gas Schedule for Karachi
In Karachi, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has also issued a gas load shedding timetable for Ramadan, with the aim of ensuring uninterrupted supply during Sehr and Iftar. The gas will be available from 3:00 am to 9:00 am for Sehr and from 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm for Iftar.
However, due to the widening gap between supply and demand, residents will experience gas suspension from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and from 10:00 pm to 3:00 am. Despite these measures, many residents in Karachi, particularly in the Old City area, faced severe difficulties during the first day of Ramadan, with some struggling to make Sehr due to a lack of gas.
Gas Availability Timing:
- Sehr: 3:00 am to 9:00 am
- Iftar: 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm
The gas supply disruptions in Karachi have sparked frustration among residents, particularly in the early hours of Ramadan. On the first day of Ramadan, many Karachiites had to resort to roadside eateries and hotels as they were unable to prepare their Sehr meals at home.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif swiftly intervened, directing both SSGC and K-Electric to ensure a seamless supply of gas and electricity during Sehr and Iftar times. A late-night meeting was held to address the concerns raised by consumers, resulting in a commitment to raise gas pressure by 10% and to ensure gas distribution centers are activated earlier—30 to 45 minutes before Sehr and Iftar. This move is expected to help improve gas pressure in areas with low network capacity.
Strain on National Gas Supply
The situation is compounded by the depletion of Pakistan’s natural gas reserves, which has led to a widening gap between supply and demand. The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) had previously warned the public of this strain, citing a 10% depletion in national gas reserves.
Despite this, authorities are making efforts to stabilize supply by increasing pressure during critical hours. The government and relevant bodies are continuously working to resolve the issues, especially in Karachi, where the gas crisis has reached a point of public outcry.
Pakistan government’s intervention and commitment of SSGC and SNGPL to increasing gas pressure are promising steps in the right direction. However, continuous monitoring and collaboration between gas companies and consumers will be key to ensuring a smooth Ramadan experience for everyone.