QUETTA: The ongoing cold wave in Balochistan has severely disrupted gas supply, leaving residents struggling to stay warm. Freezing temperatures, which have dropped to as low as -6°C, caused an 18-inch gas pipeline of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to freeze, affecting Quetta and other regions.
According to an SSGC spokesperson, the freezing conditions led to icing in the gas regulator and pipes, forcing the complete suspension of supply in parts of Quetta. Areas like Nawan Killi, Samungli Road, and nearby localities have been left without gas. Additionally, upper Balochistan regions, including Pishin, Kuchlak, Bostan, and Ziarat, are also facing a severe shortage.
Technical teams have been working since early morning to restore the gas supply. SSGC reported that, as an alternative, gas is being provided through a 16-inch pipeline to reduce the hardship faced by consumers. However, the company issued an apology for the inconvenience caused, acknowledging the impact on daily life.
Residents, already struggling with the harsh cold weather, now face increased challenges. With no gas for heating, many families have turned to burning wood or using expensive LPG cylinders to stay warm, further straining their resources. The situation is especially difficult for those living in rural and hilly areas, where temperatures are even lower.
The Meteorological Office has predicted that northern Balochistan will remain under the influence of dry, cold weather, with gusty winds likely in plains and harsher conditions in the hilly regions. The freezing temperatures are expected to persist, worsening the energy crisis.
The disruption in gas supply highlights the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to ensure uninterrupted energy access during extreme weather conditions. Residents of Balochistan, who endure some of the harshest winters in the country, deserve a reliable system to support their basic heating needs. Until then, the province continues to grapple with the dual challenge of freezing temperatures and limited energy resources.
