In a concerning development, the residents of Karachi are set to endure an extensive period of gas load shedding from August 12 to 27, as a critical gas supply of 107 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) faces disruption due to essential annual maintenance work at the Kunnar-Pasakhi Deep (KPD) gas field.
The Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) has released a notification detailing the maintenance schedule for the KPD gas field, which is slated to be carried out in three phases over the course of 16 days. This maintenance work will necessitate a complete shutdown for eight days, coupled with a partial shutdown lasting four days.
According to ARY News, the upcoming complete shutdown of gas operations is expected to result in a significant reduction of 107 mmcfd, while the partial shutdown will further trim the gas supply by 50 mmcfd. This unfortunate reduction in gas availability will inevitably impact various sectors, including domestic households, commercial establishments, industrial operations, and even the crucial Kapco power plants that rely on natural gas to generate electricity.
This unfortunate situation follows closely on the heels of a recent setback faced by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) when a supply line was damaged during excavation work for the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) project within Karachi. The 8-inch-diameter gas supply line suffered damage in the vicinity of Safoora Chowrangi, leading to an abrupt suspension of gas supply to neighbouring areas.
The affected localities encompass a wide range, including vital institutions like the Memon Foundation Hospital and the sprawling Karachi University, as well as residential communities such as Sadi Town, Rimjhim, Rizvia Society, and Down University. Moreover, industrial sites and research facilities like Suparco, Sachal Goth, and surrounding villages have also been grappling with the repercussions of this supply disruption.
While the inconvenience caused by this unexpected gas supply interruption is deeply felt, the SSGC remains committed to ensuring the completion of essential maintenance work at the KPD gas field. Despite the challenges posed by these circumstances, the SSGC aims to minimise the impact on citizens’ lives and livelihoods to the greatest extent possible.
As Karachi prepares itself for this period of gas load shedding, residents are urged to exercise prudence in their gas consumption, explore energy-efficient alternatives where feasible, and cooperate with the SSGC’s efforts to manage the situation effectively.
