Twin cities face low gas pressure as SNGPL claims full supply

ISLAMABAD: Residents in various areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have complained about low gas pressure despite Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited’s (SNGPL) claim that it was delivering a full supply as per the schedule.

The issue has caused significant disruptions for domestic and commercial consumers alike despite the fact that the federal government has instructed SNGPL to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to domestic consumers.

Consumers have complained that the SNGPL helpline remains unresponsive most of the time, leaving citizens in the lurch to register their complaints about the low gas supply.

Irum Khan, a resident of Sector G-8/2 said that their area has been facing the low gas supply for the last 10 days. She said that they could not lodge their complaint to the SNGPL as the service provider’s helpline remain busy or unresponsive all the time.

She expressed her apprehension that some households may be using compressors to suck the gas from the main supply, leaving others to scratch their heads. Irum urged SNGPL authorities to make sure people don’t use compressors and other equipmet to steal the gas.

During peak hours — especially in the morning, noon and evening — the low or negligible pressure has forced residents to buy meals from restaurants, which is making holes to the already inflation-stricken citizens and families.

Various households said that they have started using gas cylinders, electric stoves and roti makers, to meet their cooking needs. They said that these alternatives were not only expensive but also pose safety risks.

Commercial establishments including restaurants, hotels and naan vendors (tandoor owners) also complained about operational hurdles due to low gas pressure.

On Friday, SNGPL released an updated gas schedule, indicating that gas will be supplied between 6 am to 9am, 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm daily.

SNGPL Executive Officer (Technical) Muhammad Faisal said that full pressure gas is being provided during these scheduled times across all areas, with technical faults being the only occasional reason for any disruption.

He assured consumers that gas supply would remain stable throughout winter. However, residents continue to report widespread low or zero pressure, even during the designated hours.

Rawalpindi Naanbhais Welfare Association President Muhammad Shafiq Qureshi said that naan vendors have had to rely on expensive cylinders throughout the year, with costs particularly high during summer and winter months.

The worst hit areas in Rawalpindi are Gulzar-e-Quaid, Faisal Colony, Koral, Committee Chowk, Adiala, Deri Hassan, Babar colony, and G-6, G-7, G-8 G-9, I-9, I-10 and F-7 sectors of Islamabad.