"We continue to face this problem despite the fact that Sindh's share in gas production is 70 percent while Balochistan's share is 21 percent and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa's share is 9 percent," they added. They termed current gas distribution in Sindh inequitable and unjustified saying that Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) was supplying 25 percent less gas than the allocated quota while supply from SNGPL was 15 percent less.
They expressed dismay over low pressure gas supply by SSGC, which they said was seriously hampering industrial production. "The industries pay SSGC bills regularly and they are the biggest source of earning for SSGC but the utility has miserably failed to maintain full gas pressure to industries," they regretted. Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Haroon Agar said that the industries were already facing serious problems and now the gas loadshedding as well as low gas pressure had brought the industries on the verge of closure.
He said that all out efforts should be made to ensure smooth operation of the industrial units. He urged the government to direct SSGC to supply gas on full pressure to the industrial areas of the city. Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) Chairman M Zubair Chhaya said that almost all industries operating on gas remained closed owing to low gas pressure.
He urged the government to take stock of the situation and adopt measures to save the ailing industries from collapse. In a statement, Site Association of Industry (SAI) Chairman Dr Arshad A Vohra regretted that despite repeated assurance by the concerned authorities the situation remained the same and the industries continue to face huge financial losses.
He was of the view that the supply of natural gas was the responsibility of SSGC and it was under obligation to supply full pressure of gas to industries. He asked the Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources, Chief Minister and Governor Sindh to take notice of the situation and advise the concerned authorities to resolve the issue of low gas pressure.