ISLAMABAD: Various localities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been facing low gas pressure every day while the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) says it is working on overcoming the problem.

SNGPL officials said the company is making efforts to maintain regular gas pressure across its transmission network and that the low pressure is temporary and will be corrected soon.

Officials said the company’s teams had recently removed over 5,000 gas connections for the use of compressors which increases supply for those using it but reduced pressure in neighbouring buildings.

They said the operation against illegal compressors will continue in selected areas to help ensure uninterrupted supply.

One official said the company is fully aware of the problems being faced by consumers and that its technical teams are busy round the clock trying to address low gas pressure complaints and raiding areas where compressors are installed.

He advised consumers to avoid excessive use of gas and to install efficient gas appliances to maintain smooth flow in transmission lines till the tail-end.

He advised customers to contact the company on its helpline to report low gas pressure and illegal activities such as the installation of compressors or tampering with metres.

The gas shortage is also due to the opening of CNG stations and residents have urged SNGPL to take notice of the situation.

Low income families who cannot afford to get takeaway and order in have resorted to finding alternate sources of fuel to use in their kitchens. The prices of wood, coal and kerosene oil have also risen.

Locals said they will have to protest against the non-availability of gas.

A housewife, Saima said that the public is facing problems due to the inefficiency of the government. She said the public pay their bills every month but is still faced with problems every winter.

The gas pressure was low especially in Media Town, Muslim Town, Rawal Chowk, Satellite Town, Asghar Mall, Waris Khan, Akaal Garh, Dhoke Dalal, Karimpura, Committee Chowk, Dhoke Khabba, Umer Road, Dhoke Elahi Bukhsh, Murshid Town, Nadeem Colony, Arya Mohallah, Pirwadhai, Adiala Road, Bakra Mandi, Dhoke Syedan, Dheri Hassanabdal, Lal Kurti, Sadiqabad, Shah Khalid Colony, Pindora, G-8 and G-9.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2019