Islamabad, Jan 13 (NationPress) Numerous regions in Karachi, Pakistan were left without gas supply on Monday, while other areas experienced low gas pressure, as reported by local news outlets on Tuesday.

Residents of Karachi are grappling with diminished gas availability amidst harsh winter conditions. Many have noted that the winter season has once again highlighted the inadequacies of the gas utility's distribution network. For the past four days, residents have been facing a gas crisis, forcing them to resort to costly LPG cylinders, which has further deepened their financial struggles, as reported by the Pakistani daily Dawn.

"How long can Karachi endure a utility that can’t maintain its own supply?" quoted a housewife from Gulistan-i-Jauhar.

Additionally, a resident from Nazimabad expressed frustration, stating that the people of Karachi consistently bear the brunt of the situation while the gas utility presents the same narrative each winter. "Until accountability is enforced, infrastructure is improved, and the government stops ignoring the issue, the residents of Karachi will remain captives to a malfunctioning system," she remarked.

The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) reported a decrease in gas supply from two fields, resulting in the suspension of gas services in various areas. A spokesperson from the gas utility mentioned that the amount of gas received from these fields was approximately 45 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d), which has led to reduced supplies across parts of Karachi. The SSGC is actively working to restore gas availability, the spokesperson added.

Last week, protests erupted in Quetta due to extended gas shortages during extremely cold weather, with residents blocking streets and setting tires ablaze, according to local media reports on Sunday.

The gas supply reductions have caused significant challenges for individuals attempting to keep their homes warm amid the freezing temperatures. The SSGC has implemented load shedding in Quetta and surrounding areas from midnight to 5 a.m., as reported by Dawn.

Residents in Kalat, Mastung, Ziarat, Pishin, and other areas are also experiencing similar gas shortages due to the ongoing cold wave. Many in Quetta and its outskirts have reported inadequate gas supply even during the non-load shedding hours. Several regions within the city are also facing low pressure or gas supply interruptions from SSGC as temperatures have plummeted to minus five degrees.

In the Sariab area, residents suffering from gas shortages staged a protest against low gas pressure and ongoing supply disruptions. Protesters set tires on fire, erected barricades, and blocked roads, disrupting traffic.