SSGC provides update on gas supply during Ramadan

The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) announced on Monday that it convened urgent meetings at both the ministerial and secretary levels, involving managing directors and senior officials from SSGC companies, following complaints regarding gas supply disruptions.

The company said in a statement that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took immediate notice of complaints on Sunday regarding gas supply to domestic customers during Sehri and Iftar preparations.

Responding to domestic customer complaints, and directives of the premier to address these complaints regarding ensuring the provision of gas during Sehri and Iftar times, "emergency meetings were held at both the secretary and minister levels with the MDs and senior management of the Sui companies".

Subsequently, SSGC's top management held several meetings throughout the night, and management members were dispatched to visit locations onsite to ensure the implementation of the PM's directives.

The SSGC, the statement mentioned, has already taken several "immediate actions" to ensure a steady gas supply during Ramadan, in compliance with PM directives.

The statement said that gas pressure has been increased by 10% through SMSs to improve gas flow. Gas distribution centres are now open 30-45 minutes before Sehri and Iftari timings to improve system pressure in areas with low network capacity.

The steps also include arranging an additional 20 MMCFD gas to enhance the transmission line pack to meet rising demand, while also establishing control rooms at head office and regional offices to monitor gas supply and network status on a daily basis.

The SSGC is resolving low gas pressure complaints on an emergency basis at regional levels and submitting daily reports to senior management.

As per the schedule, the gas would be available between 3am to 9am for Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and 3:30pm to 10pm for Iftaar meal during Ramadan.

However, despite tall claims by the SSGC to ensure an "uninterrupted gas supply" during the holy month, natural gas disappeared from stoves, leaving people in almost every part of Karachi high and dry on the first day of Ramadan.