LAHORE: With the advent of winter, the citizens from various areas of metropolis have started facing low gas pressure, exposing the claims of Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) of having ample gas supply.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister Miftah Ismail had also claimed last month that there will be no gas load shedding for domestic and industrial sector during current winter season.
However, it has been observed that gas pressure drops during morning and evening times which causes great trouble in preparing for the activities of the day.
Several residents facing gas shortage have started using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders as an alternate to fulfill their needs. Moreover, people in areas with low-income have been forced to burn wood and kerosene oil.
Abdul Qadir, a resident of Darogha Wala, told Pakistan Today that the people of his area had started facing gas shortage two weeks ago. He said that this was not first time they were facing such a situation but it was an issue that people faced every year.
Simlarly, the residents of Ichhra, Samanabad, Johar Town, Township, Gulberg, Mall Road, Mozang, Garhi Shahu and other parts of the city have also complained of low gas pressure.
Nadeem, a resident of Johar Town said that SNGPL seems to be least interested in solving problems of the masses as people have to face this situation every year. “I have started using LPG cylinder which cost me a lot but I have no other alternate mean to prepare food,” he said.
“Authorities concerned should take steps for regularising the gas supply during the winter season,” Nadeem demanded.
In previous years, during the winter season, many demonstrations had been observed in the city when people came out on roads across the country protesting against low gas pressure.
On other hand, SNGPL General Manager (GM) Qaiser Masood while addressing a press conference on Thursday claimed that Lahore was receiving normal gas supply according to its quota. While admitting that the gas pressure was low, he said that the usage of compressors on private gas connections was the real culprit behind low pressure of gas.
Qaiser further claimed that SNGPL had started crackdown against compressor users and gas pilferers that will help in improving the situation.
SNGPL Spokesman Awais Bajwa while talking to Pakistan Today said that SNGPL was receiving 2,000 million metric cubic feet per day (mmfcd) which is more than previous years while 600 mmfcd more gas will be added into the system by end of this month.
Talking about the low gas pressure, he said that problem is being caused by the compressor users. “During last winter, SNGPL teams disconnected more than 3,000 connections for using compressors,” he said adding that teams are also active against gas pilferers.
Bajwa said that taking action against the compressor sellers did not fall under the jurisdiction of SNGPL. However, he said that SNGPL had asked the city district administration to take action against the traders involved in this business.
