HSATI slams decision to suspend gas to industries for 24 hours

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade and Industry (HSATI) Chairman Zubair Ghangra has expressed strong reservations over the decision to suspend gas supply to industries across Sindh for 24 hours from April 12 to April 13, saying that this step has been taken at a time when industries are already forced to continue their production with limited gas pressure and uncertain supply.

He said that when the industrial wheel is already being run with limited gas supply for six days a week, a complete shutdown for another 24 hours will prove to be the worst for industries, which is in no way tolerable. He said that due to this sudden shutdown, not only industrial production will be severely affected but also timely fulfilment of export orders will be at risk, which may damage Pakistan’s reputation in the global market.

Zubair Ghangra said that the livelihood of workers working in factories will also be directly affected while the increase in production costs will become another major challenge for industries. He stressed that gas shortage is a reality that cannot be denied, however, its solution should not be unilateral closure of industries but rather a comprehensive and balanced strategy must be adopted for it. Such measures may provide temporary relief, but in the long run, they paralyze industrial activities.

He demanded that the government and relevant institutions issue a prior and workable gas schedule for industries, ensure gas supply to export industries on priority basis, avoid such decisions without consulting stakeholders, and take immediate steps to promote alternative energy sources such as LNG, RLNG and solar.

Hyderabad SITE Association Chairman Zubair Ghangra demanded that this decision be reviewed immediately and steps be taken on an emergency basis to provide relief to industries so that the wheel of economic activities can continue uninterrupted.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026