Gas crisis deepens as supply disappears even during scheduled hours

HYDERABAD: As temperatures continue to soar, residents of Hyderabad are facing worsening gas shortages, with many complaining that Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) is not providing gas even during its officially announced nine-hour daily supply schedule.

Under the current timetable, gas is meant to be available from 6am to 9am, 12pm to 3pm, and 6pm to 9pm. However, residents in several densely populated neighborhoods say the utility company frequently fails to maintain these hours. Even when gas is supplied, pressure is often too low for effective cooking.

Consumers report that pipelines frequently release only air for 15 to 20 minutes before gas starts flowing.

Many women, who are primarily responsible for household cooking, say they repeatedly check stoves and leave burners open to release trapped air, causing gas meters to continue running and resulting in higher monthly bills.

Residents say the situation has become especially difficult amid the intense summer heat, as low gas pressure significantly increases cooking times. Preparing simple meals now takes much longer, forcing people to spend extended periods in hot kitchens and making it harder to serve guests on time.

The shortage has also boosted demand for alternative cooking options, including electric stoves, induction cooktops, ceramic cookers, solar ovens, and LPG cylinders. However, these alternatives have increased household expenses, with families paying both gas bills and the additional cost of purchasing and refilling LPG cylinders.

Despite public complaints and protests, residents say local elected representatives have not effectively addressed the issue with SSGC. They also criticized earlier assurances that there would be no gas load-shedding during morning hours, claiming those promises were not fulfilled.

With no immediate improvement in sight, Hyderabad residents are urging SSGC to either restore reliable gas supply or adjust billing practices so consumers are not charged for periods when only air passes through the pipelines.