Pakistan’s Fuel Crisis Forces Women to Rethink Daily Cooking Routines, Al Jazeera Reports
A severe fuel shortage in Pakistan, exacerbated by dwindling domestic gas supplies and soaring import costs, has forced households—particularly women—to reorganize daily meal preparation, according to an Al Jazeera report published on 12 May 2026.
The crisis, which began in late 2025 following a decline in production at the Sahiwal and Qadirpur gas fields, has led to frequent load‑shedding and rationed LPG distribution. Women in urban and rural areas report waking up early to cook quickly before gas runs out, often resorting to alternative fuels like charcoal and wood.
Al Jazeera’s feature (article 34519) highlighted testimonies from families in Lahore and Karachi, where mothers describe “rearranging meals and planning days around the prospect of gas.” The report also noted that the government’s subsidies have been insufficient to curb black‑market prices, which have risen by 45% since January 2026.
Economists warn that the fuel crunch could deepen Pakistan’s inflationary pressures, already at a 7‑year high, and strain the already fragile middle class. Dr. Faisal Haq of the State Bank of Pakistan commented, "Sustained energy shortages risk eroding consumer confidence and could trigger social unrest."
Policy analysts suggest that short‑term relief may come from accelerated LNG imports and a temporary price cap on LPG. The Ministry of Energy plans to convene a high‑level task force by the end of May to explore renewable‑energy incentives and negotiate additional supply contracts.
Stakeholders will be watching closely for the government’s response, as upcoming parliamentary sessions on 25 May will address budget allocations for energy subsidies. The day‑to‑day impact on households, especially women, will continue to be a barometer for public sentiment toward the administration’s handling of the crisis.