SSGC admits gas shortage getting worse

Islamabad – December 21 (Online): Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) on Tuesday told National Assembly’s standing committee on power that gas shortage was getting worse in country while Karachi remains most severely hit city by the shortage.

According to details, committee’s meeting was held Tuesday at parliament house under the chairmanship of Junaid Akbar. Managing Directors of Sui Gas companies appeared before the committee.

MD Sui Southern told committee that total demand on company’s system was 1250 MMCF, which will jump to 1296 MMCF till January next year, while the available volume of gas was 1015 MMCF.

He told committee that Sui Southern had the option to cut-off gas supply to general industry but company faced difficulties due to stay-order acquired by general industry. He said that industries were not cutting their connection and hence domestic users were facing immense difficulties.

Chairman committee Junaid Akram said that media kept reminding of possible gas shortage during winters but gas companies did not pay heed to it. He said that only politicians are held responsible for gas turmoil but other stake holders were equally responsible for the situation.

Committee member Irshad Ahmed said that completion of Pak-Iran gas pipeline project could have helped escape current situation.

Committee showed dismay over the absence of Energy minister Hammad Azhar from the meeting. Chairman committee noted that meeting takes place after three months and ministers are still absent.

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