KARACHI: The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has unveiled its gas supply schedule for the upcoming Eid ul Fitr holidays, implementing strategic load management measures while ensuring uninterrupted service during key festive periods. The announcement comes as millions of households across Sindh and Balochistan prepare for the religious celebration, with gas consumption expected to surge significantly during the holiday.
In an official statement released on Thursday, SSGC confirmed that gas supply will remain continuous on Chand Raat (moon sighting night) and throughout the following day until midnight, allowing families to prepare traditional Eid meals and host gatherings without interruption. This uninterrupted supply during the initial celebration period represents a significant accommodation by the utility company, which typically implements regular load management protocols.
“We have taken necessary measures to facilitate consumers during the festive period while managing gas load efficiently,” stated SSGC officials, emphasizing their commitment to balancing consumer needs with operational constraints. The company has established a 24-hour helpline for consumers experiencing gas supply issues during the holidays.
According to the detailed schedule, gas supply will be suspended from 12:00am to 6:00am on the nights between the first and second days of Eid, and again between the second and third days. Supply will resume daily at 6:00am and continue until midnight during this period. From the third day of Eid onward, gas will be available from 6:00am to 10:00pm daily, after which the system will revert to the pre-Ramadan load management schedule with suspensions from 10:00pm to 5:30am.
The announcement coincides with regional energy challenges affecting multiple countries, though SSGC has assured consumers that domestic gas supply remains a priority during the religious festival. Pakistan’s energy sector has faced numerous challenges in recent years, with fluctuating supply and demand creating complex management scenarios for utility providers.
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and is celebrated with special prayers, family gatherings, and festive meals. The holiday’s timing varies annually based on lunar observations, with this year’s celebration expected to begin on Saturday, March 21, following the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s confirmation that no credible testimony of Shawwal moon sighting had been received from any part of the country.
SSGC’s proactive communication regarding the gas schedule allows households to plan their cooking and heating needs accordingly. The company has emphasized that these measures are necessary to ensure equitable distribution across its service territory while maintaining system stability. Similar load management approaches have been implemented by other energy providers globally during periods of high demand.
The gas supply announcement represents SSGC’s latest effort to balance operational requirements with consumer expectations during significant cultural and religious events. As Pakistan’s population continues to grow and energy demands increase, such strategic planning becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining essential services during peak usage periods.
Source: Geo News