PESHAWAR: Consumers have complained about frequent loadshedding of natural gas in various localities of the provincial metropolis and demanded of the SNGPL high-ups to ensure smooth supply of gas.

The consumers from different localities, including Defence Colony, said on Thursday that with the start of winter the gas shortage had intensified in routine, forcing them to seek alternative sources for cooking. “We have to get up soon after midnight to cook food, otherwise gas usually disappears at peak morning and evening timings,” said a consumer Ali Khan.

Complainants from Budhu Samarbagh, Garhi Baloch, Pakha Ghulam and Kukar areas said that gas supply to these localities was next to nil as the supply was stopped at different hours and the residents were compelled to use LPG cylinders.

They said that consumers residing near the main line were satisfied with the supply to some extent, but those living in the streets were facing gas outages and low pressure.

They said that in some areas the people were compelled to use firewood for cooking.

However, SNGPL Khyber Pakhtunkhwa general manager Arbab Saqib said on Thursday that there was no gas loadshedding in the province and the slight decrease reported in production of gas was due to some operational and technical reasons.

Talking to mediapersons at his office, he said that consumption of Sui gas had increased and the companies had launched emergency operations to meet the demand. He said that some consumers used compressing equipment to increase gas pressure, which was not only dangerous, but also resulted in suspension of supply in adjoining areas.

Mr Saqib said that availability and supply to domestic, commercial and industrial consumers had been improved. He said that 12-inch pipeline from Tarnab-Shama intersection to Hayatabad was being laid. He said that 8-inch pipeline from Darra Adamkhel’s Akurwal area to Hayatabad had been approved and work on the project would be started soon. He said that work on 111-kilometre transmission line to Swat was underway and 60 per cent work had been completed.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2017