Pakistan: Karachi faces severe gas crisis amid cold weather
Karachi's Gas Crisis Worsens in Winter
Residents of Karachi, Pakistan, are struggling with a severe gas shortage as cold weather sets in. Many are forced to buy costly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) due to scheduled gas loadshedding from 9:30 pm to 6 am and 2:30 pm to 5 pm. However, most areas experience low gas pressure or no supply at all.
Infrastructure Issues
The aging gas distribution infrastructure is a major cause of the crisis, with leakages leading to low pressure. The SSGC is working on rehabilitating the network, especially in densely populated areas like North Nazimabad, North Karachi, and Lyari.
Residents' Struggles
Many residents, like Muhammad Rizwan and Samreen Hasan, have turned to LPG despite its high cost. Rizwan, a retired employee, finds it difficult to afford LPG, while Hasan relies on it for her family. Illegal gas suction devices are also contributing to the low pressure.
Increased LPG Demand
The demand for LPG has surged, with sales rising from 12 to 17 tonnes recently. The provincial government and opposition parties have expressed concern over the ongoing crisis.
Doubts Revealed
Karachi
Karachi is a large city in Pakistan, which is a country next to India. It's like Mumbai in India, a big city with lots of people.
Gas Crisis
A gas crisis means there is not enough gas for people to use. Gas is used for cooking and heating, especially in winter when it's cold.
LPG
LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It's a type of gas that comes in cylinders and is used for cooking and heating when regular gas is not available.
SSGC
SSGC stands for Sui Southern Gas Company. It's a company in Pakistan that provides gas to homes and businesses, similar to how gas companies work in India.
Gas Loadshedding
Gas loadshedding is when the gas supply is turned off for certain periods to save gas. It's like when electricity is cut off to save power.
Infrastructure Issues
Infrastructure issues mean problems with the pipes and systems that deliver gas. If there are leaks or breaks, it can cause gas shortages.
Provincial Government
The provincial government is the part of the government that manages a specific area or province, like a state government in India.
Opposition Parties
Opposition parties are political groups that are not in power. They often question and challenge the government to make sure it is doing a good job.
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