Gas output halves in 10 years, says SSGC chief

Karachi - The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has had to limit gas distribution to domestic customers three times a day due to reduced domestic production, according to its managing director, Muhammad Amin Rajput. The company's gas output has halved over the past decade, falling by about 50 percent, while imported LNG supplies were also scarce since the start of the Iran war in April. Rajput stated that focusing on supply during cooking hours would help protect domestic consumers.

Currently, SSGC's gas availability is around 605 million cubic feet (mmcfd) per day, down from 695 mmcfd last year, primarily due to the depletion of gas fields. Out of this, approximately 300 mmcfd is allocated to domestic consumers, while the rest is supplied to industries, power, and fertiliser sectors. The utility plans to distribute gas during breakfast, lunch, and dinner to ensure every household gets fuel when needed most.

Rajput noted that domestic gas supply in the city is adequate but mentioned that residents in some areas complained of low flames for cooking purposes. He attributed the low pressure to illegal use of gas compressors and suction pumps, which can drain supply to an entire block or building and pose safety risks. The SSGC has urged consumers to report such illegal use, stating that removing the devices would help restore pressure during supply hours, although it might inflate bills due to distorted meter readings.

The company has rehabilitated about 7,000 kilometres of distribution pipelines in 2025-26, replacing ageing and corroded pipes, mainly in Karachi. This improvement has helped boost pressure at tail-end locations and reduce unaccounted-for gas. However, the situation has been further complicated by the significantly reduced availability of liquefied natural gas (RLNG) supplies from Qatar. The Petroleum Division has secured limited gas supplies to meet other critical needs, including the power and fertiliser sectors.