KARACHI (Kashmir English): A temporary schedule of gas suspension in various parts of Karachi has been announced by Sui Southern Gas Company due to the gas pipeline installation close to Nipa Flyover on the BRT corridor.
As per the news release issued by Sui Southern Gas Company, “Lowering work will be carried out in a 20-inch high-pressure gas pipeline in proximity to Nipa flyover on the BRT corridor in accordance with a request by TransKarachi Phase-II.”
This activity is expected to be carried out from 10 PM to 5 AM on Sunday, though the time span might vary due to technical reasons. This repair and restoration operation will last till 8 AM.
In this connection, gas supply will remain suspended in certain areas of Karachi, which include Liaquat National Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, and Karachi Central Prison.
The gas utility has also informed that there will be low gas pressure in SITE Industrial Area and adjoining localities, which include all the blocks of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, PIB Colony, Jamshed Road, Lines Area, PHS Society, Saddar, Kharadar, Lyari, and Garden.
According to SSGC, consumers will be informed once the process is finished and the supply of gas is resumed. SSGC also apologized for the inconvenience caused by the process.
Gas Prices Likely to Increase
The two state-owned gas companies request major price hikes for the upcoming fiscal period, while the regulatory body considers decreasing the permit for unrecorded gas losses, which they bill to their customers.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority has scheduled public hearings for May 12 and 13 in Lahore and Karachi to review tariff applications submitted by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd. and Sui Southern Gas Co. for the fiscal year 2026-27. SNGPL wants to increase its regulated tariff from Rs. 1,853 to Rs. 2,084 per mmBtu in the upcoming fiscal year, with the LNG diversion cost included.
SSGCL requires a significant tariff increase to be approved, according to the hearing notice issued by the regulatory authority. The hearings were postponed in April because the Middle East crisis caused uncertainties about gas and LNG prices, which affected the review process.
The regulator needs to make its decision public at least 40 days before June 30 so that the government can announce new consumer prices that will take effect on July 1.
The timing is also significant because Pakistan has committed to the International Monetary Fund to issue gas tariff notifications twice a year on time to help contain circular debt, which has climbed above Rs. 3 trillion.
The independent consultant hired by the regulatory body recommends diminishing the UFG allowance by a small amount within the upcoming five-year period.
