ISLAMABAD: As the cold wave is sweeping through the country, the gas consumption has also increased significantly leading to its loadshedding even in the federal capital.

“We could not cook food today as the gas pressure was too low,” said Amir Abbasi, a restaurant owner in the G-7/1 auto-market.

It might be an unusual occurrence for Mr Abbasi but for a large number of people living in Rawalpindi low gas pressure has become a routine matter.

“Now there is no CNG, they claim that the supply of gas to industries has been cut off, but still our houses are without gas,” said Mahnoor Ali, a resident of Double Road in Rawalpindi.

However, the cold weather has also put the SNGPL in trouble. “The normal gas pressure in Islamabad is between 500 and 600 PSI, but today it was around 120 PSI at the transmission network,” a SNGPL official said, adding there has to be a rational consumption pattern too.

He said consumers who had connections at the main lines not only burnt 2-3 heaters but also utilised geysers. As a result, there is no gas left for the consumers at the tail-end.

The gas shortage has not only increased LPG rates to around Rs190 - Rs200 per kilogramme but its deficiency has also resulted in the rationing of sale by the retailers.

“We are giving only four kilogrammes per cylinder,” said Ramzan, an LPG retailer in Pindora. “It is because we are not sure of the next supply and I do not want any customers to return empty-handed from my shop.” — A Reporter