A concerning and hazardous practice has recently been reported in parts of Karachi, where residents are resorting to storing natural gas in plastic balloons for household cooking due to severe gas shortages and prolonged load-shedding. The situation has become particularly noticeable in several densely populated areas, including Mominabad in Orangi Town, where low gas pressure and frequent supply interruptions have left families struggling to meet daily cooking needs.
In response to these ongoing difficulties, some residents have begun using makeshift storage methods. According to local accounts, plastic balloons are filled with gas whenever supply temporarily resumes and are then used gradually throughout the day for cooking purposes. These balloons are reportedly being sold or filled at a cost ranging between 1,000 and 1,500 rupees, depending on availability and demand.
While this approach has emerged as a coping mechanism in the face of persistent utility shortages, safety experts have strongly warned against it. They emphasize that storing gas in such fragile and non-standard containers is extremely dangerous, as even minor exposure to heat, electrical sparks, or sudden pressure changes can cause the balloons to burst or explode. Experts describe the practice as highly unstable and unsuitable for any form of gas storage.
Authorities and relevant utility providers have been urged to address the worsening gas supply crisis on an urgent basis and to take immediate steps to discourage and prevent such risky practices. Concerns are growing that if the situation continues unchecked, it could lead to serious accidents and pose a significant threat to public safety in affected communities.
