Key Takeaways
- SSGC confirms that reported gas leaks in Karachi are due to odourisation plant testing.
- Odourants added for testing purposes led to a stronger-than-usual smell, causing public concern.
- The company urges citizens to remain calm and continue their regular activities.
The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has assured the public that there is no gas leak in Karachi following reports of suspected leaks. The complaints were reportedly due to odourisation plant testing during the commissioning of a new pipeline.
In a media alert issued on Sunday, SSGC stated that the smell was caused by a larger-than-normal quantity of odorants added for testing purposes. These odorants are used to give gas its distinctive smell as a safety measure, but they can also cause concern when present in higher concentrations.
The company emphasized that all system pressures were normal and no gas leak had been reported. SSGC requested its customers to remain calm and continue their regular activities, stressing the importance of maintaining composure during such situations.
Gas leaks can be life-threatening, leading to explosions, fires, and death by suffocation. In January, three women tragically lost their lives in a gas leak incident in Rawalpindi’s Bahria Town Phase VII, highlighting the seriousness of such incidents.
SSGC's statement aimed to alleviate public concern and prevent unnecessary panic among residents. The company has been proactive in addressing the issue by providing clear information and reassurance to its customers.
The odourisation plants are essential for alerting consumers to potential gas leaks, but their testing can sometimes lead to confusion and alarm. SSGC's transparency is crucial in managing public perception during such times.
