Gas Supply Crisis in Balochistan Sparks Widespread Disruptions and Price Hikes

A significant suspension of gas supply in Balochistan, including Quetta, has led to widespread disruptions and arbitrary price hikes, causing frustration among residents who are struggling with the inflated rates and resorting to LPG as an alternative.

Balochistan, including its capital Quetta, is grappling with a substantial interruption in gas supply, causing widespread disruptions, reports ARY News. Arbitrary price increases have compounded the issue, leaving residents frustrated with the unaffordable rates.

The severe shortage has driven locals to queue at nearby liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stores, as traditional gas supplies dwindle, according to ARY News. Exploiting the crisis, shopkeepers have inflated LPG prices.

Households already burdened by the shortage now face additional hardship with prices soaring from PKR 60 to PKR 80 per kg. With Pakistan's heavy reliance on natural gas for energy, the mismatch between growing demand and insufficient supply aggravates the situation.

Under the Shehbaz Sharif administration, the cost of daily essentials continues to rise, making them unreachable for the average citizen. Insufficient gas supplies have also resulted in routine load-shedding across the country, reports ANI.

(With inputs from agencies.)