Gas supply in Karachi has come under pressure after Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) reported a decline in production from two key gas fields, triggering low pressure and supply disruptions in several parts of Pakistan’s largest city. The situation has raised concerns among households and businesses, particularly during the ongoing winter season when gas demand peaks.
According to SSGC, the combined gas supply from the two affected fields stands at around 45 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd). The reduction caused a noticeable dip in system pressure, impacting gas availability in multiple localities. However, company officials confirmed that the situation has started to stabilize and gradual improvement has been observed over the past few hours.
Gas Supply in Karachi: What Caused the Disruption?
The disruption in gas supply in Karachi is primarily linked to reduced output from upstream gas fields, a challenge that has become more pronounced during winter. Low temperatures significantly increase domestic gas consumption, while system line pack the pressure maintained within gas pipelines weakens due to higher withdrawals.
SSGC highlighted that the pressure drop was not due to distribution failure but rather constrained supply amid unusually high seasonal demand. The company emphasized that such situations require immediate load management to prevent a complete system imbalance.
SSGC Prioritizes Domestic Gas Supply in Karachi
To mitigate the impact of the shortfall, SSGC implemented emergency measures focused on protecting household consumers. One of the most critical steps was the temporary suspension of gas supply to Fauji Fertilizer Company, a major industrial consumer.
In addition, industrial gas supply remained suspended on Sunday, allowing SSGC to redirect available volumes toward domestic users. These measures reflect the company’s winter gas load management strategy, where household consumption takes precedence over commercial and industrial demand.
Explained simply, gas that would normally be allocated to fertilizer production and industrial operations was rerouted to residential areas to maintain cooking and heating needs.
Winter Demand and Gas Supply in Karachi: The Bigger Picture
Despite the current challenges, SSGC revealed that it is supplying 28 mmcfd more gas to domestic consumers compared to last winter. This increase underscores the company’s efforts to strengthen household gas availability year-on-year.
However, colder-than-usual temperatures across SSGC’s franchise areas have intensified demand beyond projections. As a result, even enhanced domestic allocations have struggled to keep pace, putting extraordinary pressure on the gas transmission network.
In practical terms, while more gas is being delivered to homes than last year, consumption has risen even faster, reducing line pressure and affecting end-user supply consistency.
Gas Supply in Karachi: Areas Affected and Recovery Outlook
Although SSGC did not release a detailed list of affected neighborhoods, the company confirmed that low gas pressure was reported in several parts of Karachi, particularly during peak usage hours.
SSGC management stated that teams are closely monitoring gas field recovery and system pressure levels. Once full production from the affected gas fields is restored, the additional supply will be immediately diverted to domestic consumers to normalize gas pressure across the city.
Business and Economic Impact of Gas Supply Disruptions
The disruption in gas supply in Karachi has broader implications for Pakistan’s economy. Temporary suspension of gas to industries can slow production, affect supply chains, and increase operational costs for businesses reliant on natural gas.
However, experts note that prioritizing domestic consumers during winter is essential to avoid social and public welfare challenges. Energy planners argue that long-term solutions — including LNG imports, gas storage expansion, and demand-side management — are critical to reducing seasonal supply shocks.
Managing Gas Supply in Karachi During Peak Winter
The current gas shortfall highlights the fragile balance between supply and demand in Pakistan’s energy sector. While SSGC’s swift response has helped stabilize gas supply in Karachi, the episode underscores the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and diversified energy sources.
As winter continues, consumers are advised to use gas efficiently, especially during peak hours. SSGC has reassured the public that restoration efforts are ongoing and that domestic consumers will remain the company’s top priority until normal supply conditions are fully restored.