LAHORE: Already pestered by the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) because of power loadshedding, tripping and fluctuations etc, squeezing of gas supply by the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), especially during the “cooking hours”, has further irritated the consumers in many areas of the city.

Criticising the government for squeezing gas supply, the consumers have sought its restoration round the clock, at least during summer. “We never saw limiting of gas supplies in cooking hours (6am to 9am, 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm daily) in summer, as this schedule is often followed in winter, especially December and January,” deplores a resident of Johar Town, demanding the government to supply gas at least for cooking.

Talking to Dawn, a resident of Gulshan Ravi say his locality has been facing this issue for the last six months or so. According to him, the schedule of limiting gas supply in the cooking hours was started probably owing to increased demand in winter.

“But later, the same schedule was also issued for summer as well. And now my locality, along with various others, have been facing this issue,” he maintained. He said his family had to face embarrassment when some guests arrived and and they couldn’t be served even tea because there was no gas. “When we complain, no one tells us the exact situation,” he lamented.

When contacted, a spokesman for the SNGPL denied the company was observing any “schedule” to limit gas supply during the cooking hours in the city. “However, we will get it checked from the respective general manager soon. And if there is any issue in this regard we will get it fixed,” he pledged.

On the other hand, the power loadshedding in the areas of high-loss feeders and brownouts in various parts of Lahore and adjoining districts continue, making life miserable in the ongoing heatwave. “We are paying bills regularly, but have been facing loadshedding for eight hours or so on a daily basis,” commented a resident of Batapur. He said tripping, fluctuation and other technical issues leading to power disruption also continue on a daily basis.

According to a Lesco spokesman, the power supply disruptions in Lahore had been reported in various localities falling within service jurisdiction of only 36 of the total 2,169 feeders. He claimed that the complaints related to power disruption were being resolved within 30 minutes to three hours.

Meanwhile, the SNGPL teams on Tuesday disconnected another 28 connections for gas pilferage and other illegalities. In Lahore, a team disconnected sic connections on illegal use of gas, in Multan 14 connections, whereas the in Shiekhupura an SNGPL team imposed Rs0.68 million fine for gas thefts. In Bahawalpur eight connections were disconnected for use of compressors. The regional team of Faisalabad also imposed fines on gas thieves.

On the other hand, the Lesco teams also disconnected 536 connections for electricity theft. The teams also got arrested 41 suspects in this regard, according to a spokesman.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2024