The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced a revision in the gas supply schedule for the holy month of Ramadan, responding to ongoing disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. These disturbances stem from escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have directly affected Pakistan’s energy imports and consequently the gas availability in Karachi. The company has decided to revert to the Ramadan gas supply timings that were implemented last year, signaling a setback in efforts to ensure continuous gas flow during the fasting period.
Under the updated schedule, gas will be supplied for Iftar preparations from 3:00 pm until 9:30 pm, allowing households to cook and break their fast comfortably. For Sehri, the supply window will be from 3:00 am to 9:00 am, enabling early morning meal preparations before dawn. While these timings mirror those of the previous year, they represent a reduction from the government’s initial plan to maintain uninterrupted gas availability from 3:00 am to 10:00 pm throughout Ramadan. Officials have indicated that the finalized schedule will be formally announced in the coming days, providing clarity to consumers and businesses alike.
Karachi is currently grappling with a severe gas shortage, which has been exacerbated by the disruption of LNG shipments from Qatar. These supply challenges are reportedly linked to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, which have created instability in the region and affected energy trade routes. As a result, several neighborhoods in Karachi have endured prolonged gas load shedding for the second consecutive day. Areas such as Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Scheme 33, Jamshed Road, Shadman Town, Nishtar Road, Martin Quarters, Jahangir Road, Amil Colony, Lasbela, and parts of Korangi have been particularly hard hit, with residents facing difficulties in meeting their daily energy needs.
This situation has raised concerns among citizens, especially during Ramadan when demand for gas typically surges due to cooking requirements for Sehri and Iftar meals. The disruption not only affects domestic users but also impacts small businesses and eateries that rely heavily on a steady gas supply during this period. The government and SSGC are under pressure to find sustainable solutions to mitigate the crisis and ensure that energy shortages do not dampen the spirit of Ramadan for Karachi’s population.
In light of these challenges, energy experts suggest that Pakistan needs to diversify its LNG import sources and strengthen its energy infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to external geopolitical shocks. Meanwhile, consumers are urged to conserve gas wherever possible and adapt to the revised timings to manage the limited supply effectively. The unfolding scenario highlights the broader energy security issues facing the country and underscores the importance of strategic planning in the energy sector to safeguard against future disruptions.
