Consumers complain that pipelines only carry air for 15-20 minutes before gas begins to flow
HYDERABAD:
With summer at its peak, Sui Southern Gas Company has failed to supply gas even during its advertised 9-hour daily schedule in Hyderabad.
The shortage has sparked fresh frustration among residents, especially women, who are struggling to cope with domestic duties in the sweltering summer heat.
According to SSGC’s current schedule, gas is supposed to be supplied for three hours every morning from 6.00 to 9.00, in the afternoon from 12.00 to 15.00 and at night from However, residents of densely populated and underdeveloped colonies across the city say the utility is not adhering to even this limited schedule.
In several areas where gas occurs, consumers complain of extremely low pressure that makes cooking almost impossible. The most common complaint is that when the supply resumes at the scheduled time, pipelines only carry air for 15-20 minutes before gas begins to flow. Women bearing the brunt of the crisis said they repeatedly turn on stoves to check for gas, leaving burners open to allow air to escape. This practice keeps the meters running and has led to a sharp increase in monthly bills.
“We pay for air in our gas bills while spending hours in the kitchen to cook a single meal,” said a resident of Latifabad.
The timing of the crisis has exacerbated the problem. With Hyderabad currently in the grip of intense summer heat, cooking time has increased due to low pressure.
Women said it now takes much longer to prepare even basic meals like tea or curry, forcing them to stay longer in hot kitchens. It has also become difficult to host guests as families cannot serve meals on time. The prolonged shortage has triggered a sudden increase in demand for alternatives.
Market sources report higher sales of electric cookers, induction hobs, ceramic cookers, solar ovens and domestic gas cylinders with a capacity of 2-12 kg. Fiberglass LPG cylinders are also gaining popularity because they are lighter and rustproof. However, the change has increased the financial burden. Consumers now have to bear inflated SSGC charges, plus spend thousands of rupees on cylinders, followed by at least Rs 2,500 per month for LPG refills. Political silence
Despite widespread protests, local elected representatives from Hyderabad have not taken up the issue with the SSGC. Political leaders had earlier claimed that there would be “no relief from 6-9 in the morning”, but residents said these statements proved to be false. “We were told that mornings would be free of interruptions, yet we are getting nothing but air,” said another consumer.
With summer at its peak and no relief in sight, Hyderabadis are demanding that SSGC either restore full supply or revise its billing to exclude periods of air discharge.
