HYDERABAD: The Hyde­rabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry has expressed its concern over the ongoing drive to cut off domestic connections by Sui Southern Gas Company, saying that it was leading to increase in the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders and sometimes their explosions and ultimate casualties.

President of the organisation Mohammad Farooq Shaikhani in a recent statement said this issue had been persisting for the last three years “without strategic planning or policy initiatives”.

He said under the 18th constitutional amendment, Sindh held the right to its natural gas resource. Sindh possesses approximately 70pc of Pakistan’s natural gas reserves. It contributes 63pc to national production, according to him. He regretted that despite this significant contribution, Sindh was not being provided adequate gas supplies to meet its needs.

Says disconnection drive leading to increase in use of risky cylinders

As a result, he said, thousands of consumers, including tea houses, tandoors, eateries, small hotels and restaurants, were facing great hardship. Switching to alternatives, like LPG cylinders, has led to a rise in accidents, posing a threat to public safety, he argued.

Mr Shaikhani called for immediate action to address shortfall of gas in Sindh and urged the authorities concerned to formulate and implement a comprehensive policy to ensure that the province received its legitimate share in natural gas resources, thereby mitigating risk of more LPG-related accidents.

Gas leakage is a significant issue in Sindh with current distribution system having proved to be ineffective. Approximately 12pc to 15pc gas goes waste due to the leakages and theft, exacerbating supply problems. He said urgent measures were needed to improve the situation and ensure effective and reliable gas supplies to Sindh for its people.

He proposed new rate formula for LNG and local gas to address related challenges. This innovative tariff system was aimed at providing new gas connections to domestic consumers and offering a more secure and reliable energy source, he said. He emphasised that the proposed policy should be implemented effectively as an alternative to Sui Southern Gas which would not only conserve country’s natural gas reserves but also ensure a continuous gas supply for both commercial and domestic consumers.

He appealed to Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) Chairman Masroor Khan and SSGC Managing Director Mohammad Imran Maniar to not

only consider suggestions, but also take practical steps to enhance gas distribution system in Sindh. He said adopting better management practices and improving infrastructure would significantly reduce gas deficit.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2024