A new gas load-shedding schedule has been issued for Karachi, cutting the city’s gas supply to just 11 hours a day instead of round-the-clock availability.
According to reports, the continuous decline in RLNG (Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas) reserves has forced authorities to limit gas supply to fixed hours across the city. This move has created serious difficulties for household consumers who rely on gas for daily cooking and other needs.
Sources said gas will no longer be available round the clock. Instead, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) will supply gas for 11 hours in three separate phases:
- Morning: 6:00 am to 10:00 am (breakfast hours)
- Afternoon: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm (lunch hours)
- Evening/Night: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (dinner hours)
Officials said the ongoing drop in RLNG reserves remains the main reason behind the crisis. Pakistan depends heavily on imported RLNG to meet its winter gas demand, and any delay or shortfall in supply directly affects consumers in major cities like Karachi.
The gas administration has advised citizens to use gas carefully during the available hours to help maintain pressure across the distribution network. Many households may need to adjust daily routines, including cooking and water heating schedules, to match the new timings.
It is important to note that many areas of Karachi were already facing low gas pressure before this announcement. The formal load-shedding schedule has further increased problems for residents, especially in localities located far from main supply lines.
Small businesses, roadside eateries, and tea stalls that depend on a steady gas supply are also expected to feel the impact of these restricted hours.
Also read: Consumers face unscheduled gas load shedding at mealtime.
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has also started unannounced gas load shedding, even during designated cooking hours, raising concerns about a worsening gas crisis in Lahore.
There have been fears of a wider gas shortage as the load-shedding period has been extended due to a deficit in the supply system. Domestic consumers in Lahore have complained about persistent disruptions despite the existence of an official timetable for gas supply during cooking hours.
With both Karachi and Lahore facing supply constraints, pressure is mounting on gas authorities to find a sustainable solution before the situation worsens further.