LAHORE: Despite tall claims by the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) regarding zero gas shortfall, the people living in the tail-end areas continue facing extremely low gas pressure, most of the time. The situation is worsening gradually as the low gas pressure complaints are on the rise in Lahore and all other major cities of Punjab.

“There is no gas in our area since start of the winter and we are using electric heaters and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders in kitchen,” Dr Tayyaba, a resident of Model Town, says while talking to Dawn.

Afzaal, a resident of Township, talks about a similar situation in his area.

“It has become a routine in every winter. In this situation, we have no option but to use the LPG for cooking,” he adds.

On the other hand, the SNGPL claims to have no shortfall in the system.

“Gas supply to the Lahore region has been increased by the SNGPL after an additional supply of 20 million cubic feet per day was added to the system in a bid to cater to the needs of domestic consumers,” reads a press release issued here on Friday.

“Currently, there is no gap between demand and supply in Lahore and other regions of the SNGPL,” it adds.

The company claims that all the CNG stations, including those providing CNG to 186 buses operated by the Lahore Transport Company (LTC), are being provided uninterrupted gas supply. Similarly, all industrial and commercial consumers, including export-based textile industry, are being provided uninterrupted gas supply.

“However, low gas pressure may be experienced at some locations due to use of compressors and at tail-ends of the network. For this, over 350 gas connections have been disconnected due to unauthorised use of compressors,” the statement says and adds that more than 100 teams are working round the clock to resolve consumers’ complaints related to gas pressure. It requests the consumers to avoid using compressors and use energy conservation techniques, including conical baffle and timer devices for gyzers etc and space heating.

“The teams have been checking gas pressures in different areas such as Township, Wapda Town, Johar Town, Allama Iqbal Town, Harbanspura, Faisal Town etc,” the SNGPL claims.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2018