SSGC winter gas schedule sparks public outrage

KARACHI (News Desk): The winter gas supply schedule announced by Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has triggered strong public criticism, with consumers demanding uninterrupted supply, improved gas pressure and relief from what they described as excessive billing despite prolonged gas load-shedding.

SSGC has announced that, in accordance with directives of the Government of Pakistan, domestic consumers will receive gas during three daily time slots: breakfast from 6:30am to 9am, lunch from 12pm to 2:30pm and dinner from 6pm to 9pm.

However, the announcement drew widespread criticism on social media, where consumers questioned whether the limited supply hours would be sufficient to meet household requirements during the winter season.

Several users demanded round-the-clock gas availability, while others proposed extending the scheduled timings to 6am-10am for breakfast, 12pm-3pm for lunch and 6pm-10pm for dinner.

Consumers also raised concerns about whether SSGC would ensure adequate pressure during the announced hours, pointing out that gas frequently remains unavailable or arrives at extremely low pressure even within scheduled supply windows.

Billing complaints further intensified public frustration. One consumer claimed to have received a gas bill of Rs20,000 last month despite facing gas load-shedding. According to the consumer, an inquiry at the company’s office revealed that charges could vary because of different pricing slabs applied to neighbours sharing a common meter connection.

The consumer questioned the fairness of the billing arrangement, saying the situation had made everyday life increasingly difficult.

Some users also highlighted religious and household requirements, demanding gas availability at least one hour before Fajr prayers to facilitate Sehri, fasting and Tahajjud prayers. Others called for supply until midnight, arguing that winter household needs cannot be restricted to fixed hours.

Questions were also raised about the country’s domestic gas reserves, with consumers asking whether declining local production had contributed to the restrictions and why households were bearing the consequences.

Meanwhile, several users complained that even when the gas supply resumes, only air passes through household connections while meters continue recording consumption. Others said repeated complaints about low pressure had failed to produce any meaningful response.

Consumers in Karachi particularly questioned how the announced schedule would be implemented across the city, urging SSGC to ensure that gas is actually available at the specified times and at sufficient pressure.

The public reaction reflects growing frustration among domestic consumers, who say restricted supply, low pressure and disputed billing have made routine household activities increasingly difficult during the winter season.