Women and families in Karachi are adjusting meal timings and daily routines as Pakistan faces worsening gas shortages
May 13, 2026: Pakistan’s growing fuel crisis is severely affecting daily life, especially in Karachi, where families are being forced to adjust their routines around limited cooking gas supply hours. The shortage has been linked to falling domestic gas production and disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports amid the ongoing Iran conflict. Many households are now waking up earlier and rushing meal preparation during short windows of gas availability.
According to an Al Jazeera report, residents in Karachi receive gas only during specific hours in the morning, afternoon and evening. Families say even simple household routines have become difficult. Farhat Qureshi, a resident of Karachi, said her mornings now revolve entirely around gas timings, while another resident, Laiba Zahid, said dinner schedules are decided based on when gas pressure is available. Evening tea and other regular activities are also being affected due to inconsistent supply.
Pakistan’s energy troubles have worsened after regional tensions disrupted LNG shipments. The country, which heavily depends on imported LNG for electricity generation and household use, reportedly received only two LNG cargoes in March compared to the usual eight to 12 shipments every month. A recent World Bank energy survey also found that less than half of Pakistani households had access to clean cooking fuel in 2024, forcing many families to rely on expensive alternatives during shortages.