How to Report Gas Leakage — Helplines Guide
Call the gas emergency helpline immediately: 1199 (works for both SNGPL and SSGC). Evacuate the area, don't use any electrical switches or open flames, open windows for ventilation, and wait for the emergency crew. Do NOT attempt to fix the leak yourself.
Immediate Steps When You Smell Gas
Gas leaks are life-threatening emergencies. The moment you smell gas (a rotten egg odor added to natural gas for detection), take these steps in order:
- Do NOT switch anything on or off. Electrical switches, light switches, fans, phone chargers — any spark can ignite leaking gas. Don't even use your phone inside the house.
- Open doors and windows. Ventilate the area to disperse gas concentration. If possible, open all windows and the main door.
- Turn off the gas main valve. If accessible without entering a heavily gas-filled area, turn off the main gas valve at the meter. Turn it clockwise to close.
- Evacuate everyone. Get all people and pets out of the building immediately.
- Call from outside. Once safely outside, call 1199 from your mobile phone. Report the location and severity of the leak.
- Wait for the emergency team. SNGPL and SSGC have emergency response teams that arrive within 30-90 minutes in urban areas. Do not re-enter the building until they declare it safe.
NEVER do these during a gas leak: Light a match or candle. Turn on/off any electrical switch. Use a landline phone (it can spark). Smoke a cigarette. Try to find the leak with a flame. Start a vehicle in an attached garage. Any of these can cause an explosion.
Emergency Helpline Numbers
| Service | Number | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| SNGPL Emergency | 1199 | 24/7 — Punjab, KPK, Islamabad |
| SSGC Emergency | 1199 | 24/7 — Sindh, Balochistan |
| Rescue 1122 | 1122 | 24/7 — Punjab (fire and medical) |
| Edhi Foundation | 115 | 24/7 — Nationwide ambulance |
| Fire Brigade | 16 | 24/7 — Nationwide |
Common Sources of Gas Leaks
- Old rubber hoses. The rubber pipes connecting your stove to the gas line deteriorate over time. Replace them every 2-3 years, or switch to metal braided hoses which last longer.
- Loose connections. Over time, gas fittings at the stove, geyser, or heater can loosen. Check connections periodically — apply soapy water to joints and watch for bubbles. Bubbling means a leak.
- Corroded pipes. Underground gas pipes can corrode, especially in areas with high moisture or salt content in the soil. This is more common in Karachi coastal areas.
- Construction damage. Digging near gas lines without checking infrastructure maps can puncture supply pipes. Always call your gas company before any excavation work near your property.
- Faulty appliances. Old geysers and room heaters with worn-out valves can leak gas when not in use. Get older gas appliances inspected annually.
Preventing Gas Leaks at Home
- Install a gas detector. Electronic gas detectors cost Rs. 1,000-3,000 and alarm when they detect gas concentration. Install one near your kitchen and another near the geyser/heater area.
- Annual appliance inspection. Have a qualified technician inspect all gas connections, hoses, and appliances once a year — ideally before winter when heater and geyser usage increases.
- Replace rubber hoses on schedule. Every 2-3 years for rubber hoses. Upgrade to metal braided hoses for a longer-lasting solution.
- Never sleep with a gas heater running. Carbon monoxide poisoning from incomplete combustion kills dozens of Pakistanis every winter. Use a heater to warm the room, then turn it off before sleeping.
- Teach family members. Everyone in the household should know the gas shutoff valve location and the emergency procedure.
For non-emergency gas issues like billing problems, see how to file a gas bill complaint. To understand your gas charges, read how to read your gas bill.
Gas Leakage Safety — Critical Questions
1199 — this works for both SNGPL (Punjab/KPK) and SSGC (Sindh/Balochistan). Call immediately if you smell gas or suspect a leak. The line is available 24/7.
Do not use any electrical switches or flames. Open windows for ventilation, turn off the main gas valve if safely accessible, evacuate everyone, and call 1199 from outside the building. Wait for the emergency crew.
In urban areas, SNGPL/SSGC emergency teams typically arrive within 30-90 minutes. Response times are longer in rural areas. Call 1199 and they'll provide an estimated arrival time.
For minor checks, apply soapy water to gas pipe joints and connections. Bubbling indicates a leak. For anything beyond surface-level checks, call a qualified technician or your gas company. Never use a flame to detect leaks.
Replace rubber gas hoses every 2-3 years, get annual appliance inspections, install electronic gas detectors, and check connections periodically with the soapy water test. Never leave gas heaters running while sleeping.