Key Takeaways
- SSGC has announced an overnight shutdown of its 24-inch Sher Shah mainline for repair work.
- The shutdown is scheduled from 10 pm on Saturday to 9 am on Sunday.
- Gas pressure could decline in several Karachi neighborhoods if repairs extend beyond the announced timeframe.
Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced an overnight shutdown of its 24-inch Sher Shah mainline for repair work, effective from 10 pm on Saturday to 9 am on Sunday. The company has warned that an extension of the shutdown could cause low gas pressure in several Karachi neighborhoods.
According to SSGC, gas pressure could decline in Baldia Town, Ittehad Town, Saeedabad, Naval Colony, Musharraf Colony, and Mawach Goth if the repairs extend beyond the announced timeframe. Parts of Orangi Town, including Gulshan-e-Bahar, Gulshan-e-Zia, Sector 16, and Ghaziabad, could also be affected. Other potentially affected areas include Altaf Nagar, Mehran City, Ramzan Goth, and the SITE Industrial Area.
The company stated that the warning concerns a possible reduction in pressure if the shutdown is prolonged, rather than a confirmed complete suspension of supply across all listed areas. SSGC has emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the gas network.
During a performance review in Karachi, SSGC’s management reported an approximately 57% reduction in gas losses by volume. The meeting was also told that domestic consumers were receiving gas three times daily. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik recently directed SSGC’s board to develop a sustainable business strategy, with particular emphasis on reducing unaccounted-for gas.
The announcement comes as part of SSGC’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the gas infrastructure in Karachi, ensuring reliable supply to the city’s residents and businesses. The company has advised consumers to store enough gas for the duration of the shutdown and to contact them if there are any issues.
SSGC has assured the public that the repairs are necessary to prevent future disruptions and to enhance the overall performance of the gas network. The company has also stated that they will monitor the situation closely and will extend the shutdown only if absolutely necessary.
The shutdown is expected to impact the daily routines of many Karachi residents, particularly those in the listed neighborhoods. SSGC has urged the public to remain informed and to follow their instructions for managing the situation.
The company has also highlighted the importance of the shutdown in the broader context of their business strategy, which aims to reduce unaccounted-for gas and improve overall efficiency.
