The ongoing fuel crisis in Pakistan has taken an unexpected turn, impacting the daily lives of its citizens in a profound and personal way. Farhat Qureshi, a 60-year-old resident of Karachi, now finds herself planning her entire morning around the availability of cooking gas. This is a stark reality check for a country already grappling with economic and political crises.
The energy crisis, exacerbated by the US-Israel war on Iran, has left Pakistan with a looming shortage of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This has not only affected industrial and commercial sectors but has also trickled down to the unpaid labor of women, who bear the brunt of this crisis.
Qureshi's story is a testament to how the energy crisis has altered the very fabric of daily life. Her routine, once free-flowing, is now dictated by the availability of gas. She must wake up early, cook quickly, and rearrange her plans, all while managing a household of four. The gas schedule has become the central pillar of her day, a stark contrast to the freedom she once enjoyed.
The Impact on Daily Life
The energy crisis has divided the days of women like Laiba Zahid, a 24-year-old teacher. Her meals are now dictated by the gas supply, with early dinners becoming the norm. Even a simple cup of tea, a daily comfort, is now a luxury dependent on the gas schedule. Zahid's routine, like many others, is controlled by these timings, affecting her sleep and rest.
For chef Fatima Hafeez, the crisis has impacted her home-based lunch business. She often has to cancel orders due to the high cost of cooking with an LPG cylinder when the piped natural gas (PNG) is unavailable. Electricity cuts further aggravate the issue, leaving her unable to use a generator as it runs on gas.
Shabana Hassan, a 47-year-old mother, faces a dual challenge of electricity and gas shortages. Her small beauty salon at home is affected by load shedding, forcing her to opt for hairstyles that don't require electric tools.
Simalah Zafar Baqai, a university student, measures the crisis by the hours she can study or sleep. Her entire routine is adjusted around gas and load shedding, leaving little room for anything else.
Unseen Labor and Gender Dynamics
The energy crisis highlights the unseen labor of women, often treated as non-economic work. According to a 2024 policy brief, women in Pakistan spend approximately three hours a day on unpaid, non-market work, with the longest time spent in the kitchen. This crisis has intensified the burden on women, who now wake up earlier, cook more quickly, and rearrange their days to accommodate the gas schedule.
A Broader Perspective
The fuel crisis in Pakistan is a microcosm of the global energy crisis, which has disproportionately affected developing nations. The meagre oil buffers in these countries have left them vulnerable to external shocks, such as the war on Iran. This crisis has not only impacted the economy and politics but has also penetrated the very kitchens of Pakistani households, altering the daily routines and lives of its citizens.
In my opinion, this crisis underscores the interconnectedness of global events and their impact on the most personal aspects of our lives. It raises questions about the value we place on unpaid labor, particularly that of women, and how external factors can disrupt the most basic of human needs.
As we navigate these challenges, it is crucial to recognize the resilience and adaptability of individuals like Qureshi, Zahid, Hafeez, Hassan, and Baqai, who continue to find ways to manage and thrive despite the odds.
