Punjab faces electricity, gas shortage

Lahore: Various regions in Punjab, including the provincial capital of Lahore, are grappling with electricity and gas shortages, sources revealed on Sunday.

According to sources the shortfall in the demand and supply of electricity has led to an increase in load shedding, extending up to three hours in urban areas and six hours in rural parts of Punjab.

This situation has arisen due to the alleged failure of the government to reopen shuttered power plants.

Adding to the predicament, a shortage of gas has further exacerbated the difficulties faced by the people of Punjab. Sources indicate that obtaining gas, even for essential activities like cooking, has become a formidable challenge.

Earlier this week, the Sui Northern Gas Company (SNGC) imposed fixed charges on the November bills of consumers, a move approved by the caretaker government.

As per officials, protected consumers utilizing 0.9 hectometers of gas will incur Rs400 as fixed monthly charges. Non-protected users consuming up to 1.5 hectometers will face an additional Rs1,000 in their bills. Even consumers with zero gas usage will be obligated to pay Rs400 in monthly fixed charges, according to officials. INP