Low gas pressure disrupts daily life in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

ISLAMABAD: Residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been plagued by persistent low gas pressure, despite Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited’s (SNGPL) assurances of full supply as per schedule.

This issue has severely disrupted daily life for both domestic and commercial consumers, forcing many to seek alternative, expensive, and potentially hazardous solutions.

Complaints have flooded in from various areas, including Gulzar-e-Quaid, Faisal Colony, Koral, Committee Chowk, Adiala, Deri Hassan, Babar Colony, and multiple sectors in Islamabad (G-6, G-7, G-8, G-9, I-9, I-10, and F-7).

Consumers have expressed frustration with SNGPL’s unresponsive helpline, making it impossible to report issues and receive assistance.

Irum Khan, a resident of Sector G-8/2, shared her ordeal, stating that her area has faced a low gas supply for ten consecutive days. She suspects some households may be using compressors to divert gas from the main supply, exacerbating the problem. Irum urged SNGPL authorities to prevent unauthorized gas usage and ensure equitable distribution.

The federal government’s directives to SNGPL to maintain an uninterrupted gas supply to domestic consumers have fallen short. Residents have resorted to buying meals from restaurants, burdening already inflation-stricken families.

Many have turned to gas cylinders, electric stoves, and roti makers, which are not only costly but also pose safety risks.

Commercial establishments, such as restaurants, hotels, and naan vendors, have also suffered operational disruptions due to low gas pressure. Rawalpindi Naanbhais Welfare Association President Muhammad Shafiq Qureshi highlighted the struggles of naan vendors, who rely on expensive cylinders throughout the year.

SNGPL Executive Officer (Technical) Muhammad Faisal attributed any disruptions to technical faults and maintained that full-pressure gas is being supplied during scheduled hours (6 am-9 am, 12 pm-2 pm, and 6 pm-9 pm).

However, residents continue to report widespread low or zero pressure, even during designated hours.

As winter approaches, consumers remain skeptical about SNGPL’s ability to provide a stable gas supply. The situation demands urgent attention from authorities to address the gas supply issues, ensure equitable distribution, and prevent unauthorized usage.