The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has refuted recent media reports claiming the notification of a gas loadshedding plan during afternoon hours in the southern regions of Pakistan. In an official statement issued on Thursday, the gas utility categorically denied the existence of any such plan and labeled the reports circulating on media and social platforms as baseless.

According to the SSGC, a temporary disruption occurred in the underground gas line pack due to low pressure, resulting in a limited impact on gas supply in certain areas of Karachi. The issue was promptly addressed, and the gas supply was fully restored by 6 pm on Wednesday.

The statement further highlighted that the country has been facing a 10% annual depletion in its gas reserves, leading to a reduced quantity of gas received by the SSGC. As a result, the demand and supply gap has widened, even during the summer season.

Consequently, the gas utility warned that consumers might experience occasional drops in gas pressure due to these factors, as witnessed in the previous day. However, residents from various areas, including Gulistan-e-Jouhar and North Karachi, have contradicted the SSGC’s claims, asserting that they have been enduring gas loadshedding for the past few days.

In April of this year, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik acknowledged that continuous 24/7 gas availability for the masses is not feasible due to the depleting reserves of this vital commodity.

Pakistan heavily relies on natural gas as an energy source, and with escalating demand and inadequate supply, loadshedding has become an unfortunate daily occurrence in numerous parts of the country. The challenges faced by the SSGC in meeting the rising energy needs amidst depleting gas reserves continue to affect the lives of many Pakistanis.