The fuel crisis in Pakistan has become a pervasive issue, impacting the daily lives of its citizens, particularly women. The crisis, exacerbated by the US-Israel war on Iran, has led to a scarcity of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is a primary source of energy for the country. This shortage has resulted in a complex web of challenges, from economic strain to the reorganization of daily routines and the burden of unpaid labor, especially for women.
One of the most visible impacts is the alteration of cooking schedules. Households in Karachi, for instance, now have limited windows to cook, with gas supplies available for only a few hours in the morning, afternoon, and evening. This has forced women like Farhat Qureshi to adapt their daily routines, planning their meals and activities around the gas supply. The unpredictability of the gas supply has also led to a sense of frustration and tiredness, as Qureshi and others struggle to live with the constant uncertainty.
The crisis has also affected the livelihoods of small businesses, such as chef Fatima Hafeez's lunch business, which relies on piped natural gas (PNG). When PNG is not available, she must use an LPG cylinder, which is more expensive and less efficient. This has led to financial losses and the need to cancel orders, which can damage her reputation and relationships with clients.
The energy crisis has also impacted the beauty industry, with Shabana Hassan, a 47-year-old mother of three, having to adapt her business to the lack of electricity. While she has solar power, it is not enough to run electric tools, which has affected her ability to provide services to clients. The crisis has also led to a reevaluation of daily routines, with students like Simalah Zafar Baqai having to adjust their schedules around gas and load shedding.
The impact of the fuel crisis extends beyond the immediate inconvenience of cooking and electricity. It highlights the gendered nature of unpaid care work, with women spending a significant amount of time on daily chores, including cooking and cleaning. The crisis has also led to a reevaluation of the value of these tasks, with women like Zahid and Qureshi having to prioritize their time and energy around the gas supply.
The fuel crisis in Pakistan is a complex issue that has far-reaching consequences. It highlights the vulnerability of the country's energy infrastructure and the impact of external events on the lives of its citizens. The crisis also underscores the need for a more sustainable and resilient energy system, one that can withstand the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
