Low gas pressure forcing people to turn to alternative fuel sources.

RAWALPINDI -- A cold wave and low natural gas pressure has disrupted the lives of residents in various localities in the garrison city, forcing them to turn to alternative fuel sources for everyday tasks.

Most people are using wood and coal, as well as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. Others have installed compressors that suck natural gas to their homes.

Seeing the opportunity to profit, sellers have increased the prices of coal, firewood and LPG cylinders.

Firewood and coal that was being sold for Rs100 per kilogram and Rs50 per kg last month now costs Rs200 per kg and Rs100 per kg, respectively. Locals have said that firewood and coal is less expensive than LPG, which is being sold for Rs200 per kg.

'I brought coal to light the stove in the evening because there is no natural gas after 4pm every day,' Mohammad Tauqeer, who lives in Arya Mohallah, said.

He added that the low gas pressure that disturbed people's daily routines, and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) has failed to resolve the issue.

Gowalmandi resident Ahmed Malik said gas pressure has been low since winter began.

'Gas pressure has been low for the last two days, but SNGPL officials claimed the number of gas users has increased in the area because [small industries] have been set up in residential areas,' he added.

'We have had low gas pressure for the last month. Small factories have been set up in Gowalmandi that suck gas with compressors, creating problems for residents,' another resident, Umer Majeed, said.

Mr Majeed said they...