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Residents in Karachi have reportedly begun storing cooking gas in plastic balloons as prolonged shortages and low pressure continue to disrupt daily life, according to a report by ARY News.

The unusual and risky practice has emerged in several areas, particularly in Orangi Town, including Mominabad, where residents say inconsistent gas supply has left them with few alternatives.

A Desperate Measure

Locals are reportedly using specially designed plastic balloons to store gas during short periods when supply is available. These balloons, priced between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 in local markets, are filled and then used throughout the day for cooking once the supply is cut off again.

Residents described the method as a “last resort,” highlighting the severity of the ongoing gas crisis. Many households are struggling to carry out basic daily activities due to erratic supply, forcing them to adopt such unconventional solutions.

Experts Warn of Major Risks

Safety experts have raised serious concerns, warning that storing gas in plastic balloons is extremely dangerous. Analysts have described the balloons as “mobile bombs,” cautioning that even slight friction, exposure to heat, or a small spark could trigger an explosion.

In densely populated neighborhoods, such incidents could lead to devastating consequences, significantly increasing the risk of fire accidents inside homes.

Calls for Immediate Action

Experts and analysts have urged authorities and gas utility providers to take swift action to address the worsening crisis and curb the spread of what they call a “life-threatening” practice.

A similar situation was reported in 2023 during Pakistan’s economic crisis, when a sharp decline in cooking gas cylinder availability forced residents to adopt unsafe alternatives.